A Chaotic Start to the 2026 State of Origin Series
The New South Wales Blues have taken a surprising lead in the 2026 State of Origin Series after an unpredictable Game 1. Despite their efforts to lose, Laurie Daley’s team now heads into Melbourne with a chance to reclaim the Origin shield. The result was nothing short of astonishing, especially given how the game was progressing for most of the match.
The atmosphere at Accor Stadium was electric as James Tedesco scored a crucial try in the 78th minute, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Nathan Cleary delivered a standout performance, earning Man of the Match honors and putting an end to his personal Origin struggles. The Blues made history with the largest comeback in Origin history, overcoming a 20-point deficit with ease.
The Controversial Send-Off of Kalyn Ponga
One cannot discuss the opening game without acknowledging the controversial send-off of Kalyn Ponga. Whether right or wrong, this moment had a significant impact on the game’s outcome and could influence the future of several players wearing the sky blue jersey. While there were cheers in many homes when Nathan Cleary successfully kicked the winning conversion, it’s hard not to wonder how different the game might have been.
For most of the first 55 minutes, Queensland appeared to be the stronger team, leading 20-0 after a strong start. Hudson Young’s try before halftime gave the Blues some hope, but the game felt heavily tilted in favor of the Maroons. Queensland seemed to be running downhill for over 35 minutes, and the 20-6 scoreline highlighted their dominance in the first half.
A History of Struggles
Over the past two Origin first halves, Queensland has led by a combined 40 points to 6, both games hosted in Sydney. Last year’s Origin 2 saw the Maroons take a 26-6 lead, and over the past three Origins, the first-half scores are QLD 66-12. This slow start is something that needs urgent attention and improvement, as I believe the Blues have used up all their luck for this year in that one game.
As a Blues fan, it’s hard to type this, but the game seemed headed toward only one result prior to Ponga’s dismissal. The Blues did deserve their advantage, but they rode their luck and pressed their opportunity. The sign of a good team, perhaps.
Key Players and Their Performances
James Tedesco was just one miracle catch away from being dropped for Origin Two. His performance prior to the match-winning moment was poor, with two missed tries and being out of position for multiple Queensland tries. However, champions overcome and win games, and Tedesco is the very personification of that.
Stephen Crichton, who was out of form before being selected, had a nightmare 60 minutes. He failed to threaten out wide, was stung in defense, and gifted the Maroons the opener with a terrible play the ball error. In the last 15 minutes, however, he found more space and set up a world-class try for rookie Ethan Strange.
Nathan Cleary was one Tedesco catch away from being criticized and shunned, much like Mitchell Pearce. Sam Walker would have been the man of the match if Tedesco didn’t score. There are many “what ifs” in this game, but the pure luck involved still leaves me in disbelief.
Selections and Team Strategy
Laurie Daley’s selections were questionable, and if Tedesco doesn’t score that last-minute winner, Daley will likely be held accountable for both his poor selections and inability to beat 12 men. If Queensland leads 20-0 in Origin Two, they are almost certain to win by 40 points.
Kotoni Staggs, who returned after three weeks, started slowly and was out of position on the kick chase that led to a Queensland try. Like his center partner Crichton, he was left standing as the opposition scored an easy try behind him.
Mitch Barnett, who has started only one game this season, was 15 meters out of position for Tom Flegler’s try. Addin Fonua-Blake had limited action, while Jacob Saifiti, despite being the only prop named on the bench, didn’t see any action. Jackson Ford, the form prop of the competition, watched from across the Tasman. Casey McLean, brought on due to the extra sub allowed because of Ponga’s send-off, was flawless and should have been on the field from the start.
A Win in Spite of the Coach
The Blues won in spite of Laurie Daley, not because of him. If Tedesco doesn’t score that final try, Daley will be criticized for his poor selections and inability to beat 12 men. The Blues may not get another chance to be gifted a one-man advantage for 20 minutes again.
While I will eventually forget the circumstances and remember only the result, right now I can’t stress enough how close we were to a very different outcome for NSW. Fortunately, Tedesco caught that ball and scored! Blues 1-0 baby!
