NSW clinch State of Origin series with last-gasp try

A TRY thirty seconds from time clinched New South Wales back-to-back State of Origin rugby league series triumphs on Wednesday over Queensland in Sydney.

The titanic decider was locked at 20-20 in the final moments before fullback James Tedesco scored his second try of the night to clinch a 26-20 victory over the Maroons.

It was the defending champion Blues first back-to-back series win since 2005, while Queensland were gunning for their 12th title in 14 years.

NSW looked to have opened a match-winning 20-8 lead after tries from Tedesco and hooker Damien Cook midway through the second half, before Queensland roared back.

Forwards Josh McGuire and Josh Papalii scored tries and Ethan Lowe levelled the match with a pressure conversion with three minutes left.

But the Blues had the final word before their fans in the 82,500 crowd, and recalled scrum-half Mitchell Pearce moved the ball wide for centre Tom Trbojevic to link with winger Blake Ferguson.

Ferguson skipped clear of a tackle and kept his balance centimetres from the touch line before passing to Tedesco for the winning try.

Tedesco was awarded the player of the series after a starring role for the Blues, who fought back from losing the series opener in Brisbane.

“It’s unbelievable. We were two tries up and we got a bit too comfortable. I thought it was going to golden point [sudden death extra time] . . . it’s an unbelievable feeling,” Tedesco said.

The Maroons won a pulsating opening clash in Brisbane 18-14 but NSW bounced back to crush their arch-rivals 38-6 in neutral venue Perth to set up the blockbuster final in Sydney.

“I’m just so happy for the boys, for coach Brad Fittler . . . the hurt they went through throughout the years, and see how happy they are now,” skipper Boyd Cordner said.

Queensland, smarting from their heavy defeat in the second game, had the better of the opening half and led 8-2 after a try by Felise Kaufusi off a Corey Norman grubber kick after 15 minutes.

The Maroons tackled with relish, quickly moving off their defensive line to put the NSW runners under pressure.

But the Blues hit back late in the half when prop Paul Vaughan burrowed his way over on the back of a flow of penalties awarded to his side.

James Maloney’s conversion levelled the contest at 8-8 at half-time.

NSW pulled two converted tries ahead of Queensland midway through the second half before the Maroons dramatic fightback set up the make-or-break finish.