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RUGBY LEAGUE:

THIS time last year, Ethan Lowe was playing in the Intrust Super Cup.

On Wednesday night, the Queensland debutant was arguably the best on ground for the Maroons – with five tackle busts, 46 tackles and more importantly a 100 per cent conversion rate with the boot. His effort was even more extraordinary given he was told just 36 hours before kick-off that he would be playing in one of the biggest games in Origin history.

The former premiershipwinning Cowboy was an 11thhour call-up after an injury to Matt Gillett and took over the kicking duties from winger Dane Gagai at the last minute.

Lowe battled to keep his nerves under control, but settled after landing a penalty 15 minutes into the game.

“The first (conversion) I was pretty nervous,” Lowe said. “Once I had that one out of the road, I was all good. Obviously as a Queenslander you dream of this. I grabbed (the chance) with both hands and just wanted to do my job for the team. I’m extremely happy and proud to get the opportunity to wear this jersey, but the result just isn’t great.”

The South Sydney backrower played a part in Queensland nearly pulling off a fairytale win when he charged down James Maloney’s kick in the 77th minute, leading to a Maroons try.

Lowe nailed the conversion to lock up the scores, seemingly sending the game into golden point at 20-all.

Even Blues coach Brad Fittler praised Lowe’s clutch kick to level the scores in front of a hostile crowd. – Matthew Elkerton