State of Origin Game II report
Queensland completely outplayed New South Wales to set up a winner-takes-all series decider in three weeks time.
Two Darius Boyd tries, alongside a score each from Sam Thaiday and Greg Inglis, were enough to produce a comprehensive 26-6 scoreline in favour of the side who are looking to win an eighth consecutive series.
After a weak performance in Game I, the Maroons were back to their best in the familiar surroundings of the Suncorp Stadium and they were over the Blues try-line within two minutes, as Origin veteran Thaiday crashed through a gap.
Queensland laid seige in an attempt to put the game to bed early, and in the 17th minute they were finally rewarded when a delayed Jonathan Thurston pass saw Boyd score in the corner.
The Cowboys five-eighth, who had already knocked over a penalty, then converted for the second time to make the scoreline 14-0.
The intensity of Queensland meant that New South Wales were unable to make a reply as the first-half drew to a close, and as the match entered the second-half the Maroon tide showed no sign of slowing down.
Another superb Thurston assist saw Boyd scramble over for his 12th Origin try in what was becoming a very one-sided contest. Blues playmaker James Maloney tried to instill some fight into his team by squaring up to opposition full-back Billy Slater, who was putting in a defensive masterclass.
Minutes later with no sign of a comeback, there was a punch thrown by Trent Merrin and a much-anticipated melee ensued. The strict officiating promised in the build-up to the match was then put in place as four players, Merrin and Greg Bird from the Blues and Justin Hodges and Brent Tate from the Maroons, were sent to the sin-bin for ten minutes.
This left the contest as 11 v 11 and Queensland adapted the better, as thier record try-scorer Inglis rose highest to claim a Cooper Cronk kick. The result was beyond doubt and although Brett Morris took his late try well it was nothing more than a consolation.
As Blues forward Andrew Fifita threatened to cause more ‘biff’ on the stroke of full-time it was left to Thurston to put the finishing touch to an assured Maroons perfomance with a penalty goal.
Queensland: 26 (D Boyd 2, S Thaiday, G Inglis tries; J Thurston 3/4 cons, 2/2 pens)
New South Wales: 6 (B Morris try; J Maloney 1/1 con)