3 minute read
A look at State of Origin II at Optus Stadium in Perth, where NSW blew Queensland off the park.
* RESULT: NSW 44 (Nathan Cleary 2, Matt Burton, Brian To'o, Daniel Tupou, Jarome Luai, Angus Crichton tries, Nathan Cleary 7 con, 1 pen goal) bt Queensland 12 (Felise Kaufusi, Cameron Munster tries, Valentine Holmes 2 cons) at Optus Stadium
*QUOTE: "They were just too good tonight. We tried to match their energy in the first half. In the second half it was tough. We dug deep there for those eight to 10 minutes (when we went down a man), but it took its toll." - Queensland star Cameron Munster sums up a tough night for the Maroons.
* KEY MOMENT: Felise Kaufusi's sin binning just before halftime was crucial. Queensland were holding on for dear life near their line, but repeat offences eventually led to referee Ashley Klein losing his patience. Moments after Maroons second rower Kaufusi was sent off, a flying Brian To'o touched down in the corner to give NSW a 14-12 edge at halftime. The momentum shift sparked a try barrage in the second half.
* MAN OF THE MATCH: NSW playmaker Nathan Cleary scored two tries among his points haul of 24 in a masterful display to help level the series.
* TALKING POINT: How will Queensland pick themselves up from their embarrassing flop in Perth? The Maroons matched it with NSW in the first half, but the way they fell apart after the break is a huge cause for concern. They return back to home comforts for the deciding game, but whether coach Billy Slater can revive the confidence of his players remains to be seen.
* KEY STAT: Queensland have now gone 14 games in a row without scoring more than 20 points in a match.
* INJURIES: Kalyn Ponga (head)