In drizzling rain, with fatigued bodies flailing and falling, one man rose above the rest. Evergreen James Tedesco bumped, clutched, and planted the ball to secure New South Wales a famous State of Origin victory. This was a player many had written off as too old for rugby league's grand contest, who lost his place last year and seemed disconnected from the Blues. Yet the 33-year-old with roadrunner legs and a disregard for his own safety still had more to give.
A Game of Two Halves
The narrative initially belonged to a new generation. Sam Walker, Ethan Strange, and Casey McLean appeared ready to take the limelight, while Nathan Cleary asserted his dominance. But Tedesco's era had not passed. Chasing a Cleary bomb in the 79th minute of his 24th Origin appearance, he closed fast towards impact with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. The pair leapt as one, the ball disappearing momentarily before Tedesco emerged triumphant.
The near-80,000 crowd had endured a full spectrum of emotions. They were silenced early by the Maroons' ruthless execution. Walker's delectable grubber was devoured by Rob Toia in the ninth minute, then Walker put Tom Flegler through to double the lead. The effervescent playmaker grinned throughout, making a mockery of his Roosters teammate Tedesco. A third try came as Tedesco scrambled towards Walker's side, allowing Cam Munster to deliver a grubber to Tabuai-Fidow.
The Turning Point
At half-time, a promotion for the Rugby League World Cup featured Reece Walsh, a surprise omission from the squad. Seventeen minutes later, the man preferred to him, Kalyn Ponga, found himself in the frame for the match's most contentious moment. Ponga's night turned when he met the head of Tolu Koula in an awkward tackle, leading with his shoulder. The sickening impact brought both sets of players together, with Koula lying prone. Referee Ashley Klein sent Ponga off, just the seventh send-off in Origin history, and the crowd erupted.
The surging Blues laid siege to the Maroons' line, but execution let them down. One four-on-one overlap was wasted when Tedesco passed to the ankles of Haumole Olakau'atu, who fumbled. But when Strange broke through for his first Origin try, and Cleary brought the Blues within one score, the contest hung in the balance.
The Final Act
Tedesco came down from his duel with Tabuai-Fidow, bobbling and regathering before eluding Selwyn Cobbo for the equalising try. The celebrating group of Blues swallowed the tryscorer, but Tedesco broke free, roaring into the night, delivering another monument to State of Origin.
