LITTLE MASTER
THURSTON RETURNS T O DELIVER EPIC ORIGIN WIN
JOHNATHAN Thurston added a new chapter to Queensland Origin folklore last night, defying a painful shoulder injury to help clinch an amazing win for the Maroons.
The veteran playmaker marked a triumphant return for Queensland by kicking a sideline conversion in the dying minutes to seal a come- from- behind 18- 16 State of Origin Game Two win in Sydney.
The stage is set for Queensland to send Maroons warrior Thurston out of Origin a winner in the July 12 decider at Suncorp Stadium.
NSW appeared in sight of just their second series win since 2005 when they led 16- 6 at halftime in front of a 82,259- strong crowd at ANZ Stadium. But as always, the Maroons weren’t to be denied, matching NSW’s three tries — including a double by Queensland winger Dane Gagai — to send the series into a decider.
The Blues hoped to launch their own golden era with a series win last night on home turf. Instead, the ageing Queensland team somehow remain on track for their 11th Origin series triumph in 12 years.
MACKAY product Dane Gagai has again dazzled in a Maroons jumper, with the crafty winger crossing for two tries in Queensland’s series- saving victory in Sydney.
Gagai’s second four- pointer came off the back of a wonderful inside ball from Cowboys star Michael Morgan and the North Queensland connection continued when Johnathan Thurston stepped up to nail the match- winning conversion and break the Blues supporters hearts at ANZ Stadium. North Queensland second rower Gavin Cooper was also hugely impressive in his Origin recall, racking up a teamhigh 47 tackles for the Maroons in a tireless effort.
Cowboys and Queensland rookie Coen Hess entered the action late in the contest and made some strong runs while Townsville born Sharks flyer Valentine Holmes scored the opening try for the Maroons.
QUEENSLAND did it again last night. Somehow stole another State of Origin nailbiter inside the final five minutes.
In a dramatic end to Origin II, Maroons winger Dane Gagai scored with just three minutes and 50 seconds remaining to level the scores at 16- all.
Then, with two minutes and 22 seconds on the clock, the great Johnathan Thurston landed a pressure conversion to give his team a stunning 18- 16 win.
It silenced the sellout crowd of 82,259 and set up an epic decider in Brisbane in three weeks.
NSW seemed to have control of the game at halftime but two Maroons second- half tries gave the visitors a shock late win.
Those 12 unanswered points erased NSW’s 10- point halftime lead and set up a thrilling game- three decider.
It was a crushing blow for NSW.
Somehow coach Laurie Daley will have to lift his side again before the Suncorp Stadium decider on July 12.
NSW fought tenaciously in defence but just couldn’t hold out Gagai, who finished off a superb try from a Michael Morgan flick pass.
“It was a real Queensland effort,” returning Maroons fullback Billy Slater said.
But NSW were tough and admirable and will play Game Three with plenty of confidence.
NSW forward Josh Jackson was named man of the match although it was little consolation.
Despite NSW’s heartbreak, the game was gripping. Classic Origin.
Queensland struck first after just nine minutes when debutant winger Val Holmes scored a highly controversial try. There was heated debate as to whether Holmes placed his foot on the sideline while scoring.
Thurston converted from out wide to give Queensland a 6- 0 lead.
It didn’t take long for NSW to hit back, though.
In the 14th minute, centre Jarryd Hayne scored a lovely try in the corner, his 11th try for NSW, after some crisp handling.
It equalled NSW’s try- scoring record set by former champion Michael O’Connor.
NSW five- eighth James Maloney converted to level the scores. And then with some momentum, NSW crashed into the lead.
Showing brilliant acceleration, Maloney easily got on the outside of Queensland’s Tim Glasby before sending winger Brett Morris over.
Maloney missed the conversion but NSW had secured a 10- 6 lead.
And then, unbelievably, NSW were over again only three minutes later when Pearce crossed the line from a James Tedesco inside ball.
It sent the big crowd into raptures. Maloney converted to give NSW a 16- 6 lead. But it wasn’t enough. Now Daley’s men have to lift again to win the decider in Brisbane.