Queensland surprised NSW to win the State of Origin series

Queensland is once again the State of Origin champion after one of the most dramatic series in the history of the famous rivalry.

Queensland was considered the biggest loser since 1995, but showed a ridiculous fight to outlast the Blues 20-14 in a thrilling finale on the stands.

Coach Wily Wayne Bennett’s fingerprints were all over everything as his team of rag players launched a powerful ambush against all odds.

Bennett may have been the mastermind of the surprise, but Cameron Munster was the executioner. For New South Wales, he was the angel of death, wreaking havoc across the countryside.

Munster and rookie Harry Grant were the Maroons’ standout glades, and in another fiery performance, Munster was awarded the Wally Lewis medal as player of the series despite being knocked unconscious in the second game.

Queensland had to show incredible courage to hold out in the final four minutes after the Maroons were reduced to 12 men following the loss of fullback Corey Allan.

Their victory was somewhat marred by a final siren charade that saw NSW launch a referee challenge as the Queensland players were already celebrating the famous victory. It was even more puzzling when the NRL bunker announced that the challenge had been a success.

The Blues challenged a knock-on from Joseph Paulo, claiming the ball had been stripped, but replays showed that the forward had simply lost possession when he tried to pass it.

Replays then showed Maroons hooker Jake Friend hitting the ball while trying to pick up Paulo’s pass, which is why the NSW challenge was successful, but since it wasn’t a penalty, it was called in time. complete and the series ended.

The decision was finally made after several dramatic minutes where both teams stood nervously waiting on the field.

Phil Gould, concerned, declared that the game was over despite the threat of another video referee error.

“It’s all moot. Try to pass it. Try to pass it. Game over,” Gould said before the bunker announced its decision.

“It’s not going to make any difference because time is up.”

In the end, nothing could take away the victory from the Maroons and when the dust settled, they were finally confirmed as victors.

Sanity prevailed and the State of Origin Shield is Queensland’s for another 12 months.

Despite the late drama, the Maroons were celebrating the sweetest of victories led by game-making superstar Munster.

Earlier in the first half, the game was turned upside down by the sick moment when Blues captain James Tedesco was knocked unconscious.

It was just one of many hugely dramatic moments.

– news.com.au