8 long years of starring down the barrel of defeat and so far this series everytime there has been a contest, NSW have risen to the occasion.
There were two opportunities where if this was the NSW team of the past 8 years, Queensland would have scored no problem. The first being DCE where a desperate Reynolds had the presence of mind to get boot to ball. The second of course being Hayne's strip of the ball on Thaiday over the line. Big plays and the difference between both teams on the occasion.
You've waited 8 years, enjoy the spoils.
Cheers, Pete. Good to see some people with class (Counts for both sides). I had many QLD'ers walk up to me post-game and say congratulations, I had a few who who said "We won 8 straight, 1 series is nothing".
Big plays made the difference, and QLD never once gave-up the entire match. For that, I give them credit. If this was the NSW teams of previous, you guys would've scored those tries. Not to also mention McQueen dropping the ball handed by Hodges as well.
I am actually happy for them, now Origin goes to new territory next year.
Expect some more from NSW now that they know how to win.
The NSW fans that are complacent, and happy won't be as bad. It's the ones who take it too far that will be painful, I'm enjoying the win and happy of it, but am by no means rubbing it in anyones face.
Bitterness aside, NSW winning was probably good timing. Origin is flying at incredible heights and restoring the rivalry on equal terms will maintain that momentum into the future. It's time for the next generation of QLD to make their mark.
Milford, McG, Copley and Hunt should all debut next year. Slater, Tate and Thurston seriously need to consider their rep future.
NSW also have a host of new young players rising through the ranks. The future and longevity of Origin and elite players looks broad and lively.
Congrats Blues, deserved winners and we are all set to go again next year. Can't wait.
Cheers, gut.
Horrendous? Please. He lost his halves partner to a broken arm in game one and while he didn't have a good game by his own very high standards, he played ok.
Tonight he and smith were in everything and I thought they both played very well. I think qld were the better team tonight but nsw were just better in the clutch moment when it mattered. Hardly a poor game.
I think Thurston just got a bit shaky under the pressure. Not having his natural halves partner would no doubt hurt. I would've been much less confident of a NSW win, should Cronk had been on the field.
Well done QLD on the last 8 years. You've been great to watch and great to hate. 8 in a row is something i dont think will ever be repeated, or any team will come close to again.
Carn the Blues!!
I still think if both teams went into next years origin with the same players QLD would be favourites to win it. They are such a champion side and still have a heap of footy left in them. 10 in a row might not be possible but to win 9 out of the last ten, which is what they'll attempt to achieve next year, is out of this world.
^This. While we might've won this series, you guys have been the true benchmark and dominated for many, many years.
