Queensland have shocked NSW in the first half of the State of Origin decider, taking a stunning 20-0 lead into halftime in front of a hushed Blues crowd.
The Maroons took the lead from an early Valentine Holmes penalty shot and built their margin off the back of three unanswered tries, a perfect 22-22 completion rate and 57% possession.
“Queensland have been perfect in every facet of the game,” Andrew Johns said in commentary for Channel Nine.
The Maroons led 26-6 at halftime in Game II, and hung on to survive an epic Blues comeback, 26-24.
Laurie Daley and all of NSW will be hoping the Blues can deliver an even greater comeback in the coming 40 minutes—otherwise the 2025 State of Origin shield is heading north.