Queensland 6-New South Wales 50

Turbo Tom Trbojevic was electric, as New South Wales ran riot, to leave Queensland feeling blue in Townsville.

Tom Trobojevic’s hat-trick and braces from Latrell Mitchell and debutant Brian To’o earned the Blues their biggest ever win over the Maroons to go one up in the series.

Queensland coach Paul Green had labelled his side as underdogs going into the game and whilst many agreed, few would have had them losing by such a margin, especially on home turf.

New South Wales’ all-star backline were simply too good for their opponents, as they tore them apart time and time again to record their first win in Queensland since 2017.

State of Origin highlights, score, result: NSW defeat Queensland in Game 1 (theroar.com.au)

After the game hooker Damien Cook spoke to Channel 9 and was full of praise for the Blues backline:

“They’re pretty impressive and they’re playing some good footy at the moment, I’m lucky enough to play alongside Latrell every week and it looked like he was having some fun out there”

Despite being named at right-centre Tom Trbojevic was involved across the park and earned the Blues their first points after his club teammate Daly Cherry-Evans escorted him off the ball, leaving Nathan Cleary with a straightforward penalty kick.

Queensland wrestled control of the game for the next few minutes, but Mitchell produced a barnstorming break to get the Blues into the Maroons half, before Queensland winger Kyle Feldt gave away a needless penalty to gift territory to New South Wales.

New South Wales punished Queensland and Feldt immediately, sweeping the ball to the right edge where Clearly found Turbo Tom who was simply too quick for his opposite number and crossed for the first try of Origin 2021. Cleary converted for 8-0.

It wasn’t long before the Blues were in again. This time Cook was the catalyst as he broke for 50m before Jarome Luai and Mitchell combined to send To’o over for his first Origin try. Mitchell converted for 14-0.

To’o didn’t have to wait long for his second. The Blues smelt blood and once again found themselves deep in Maroons territory this time they opted for the powerplay, Cleary found Tariq Sims, who produced a sublime pass for To’o to stroll over in the corner. Cleary added the two and the Blues lead 20-0 inside 30 minutes.

Queensland rallied and got a try after Kurt Capewell showed good strength and footwork to score his first Origin Try.  Valentine Holmes converted for 6-20.

Half time Score Queensland 6 New South Wales 20.

The Blues regained control after the break and were soon scoring again, Tom Trobojevic turning provider with a lovely grubber kick to put it on a plate for Mitchell . Try converted. 26-6.

The rest of the game was an onslaught. Luai another debutant looked at ease at Origin level and it was his turn to produce some magic, breaking the line to feed Mitchell who found Turbo and he raced beneath the sticks for his second.

Mitchell then had his second after Xavier Coates dropped a howler and the Rabbitohs full-back was on hand to power over and when Daniel Safiti crossed soon after, as 50 points looked inevitable.

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The half century arrived minutes later as Cleary, out of dummy half waltzed into space before finding James Tedesco who then produced an audacious flick pass to send Turbo Tom over for his hat-trick and cap a perfect night for both him and his State.

Origin resumes for Game II on Sunday 27 June and Queensland have a lot to do if they’re to get close to this explosive New South Wales side.