It’s not a real Origin match unless I spend the last five minutes breathing deep, deliberate breaths like a woman giving birth and Game 1 of the 2019 series certainly did not disappoint, with Queensland carving out an 18-14 win against the Blues in the last 15 minutes of the game.
[jwplayer gvkTjsCy]
NSW came out ahead 0-8 in the first half, with a penalty from Nathan Cleary and a try in the 19th minute from Josh Morris. The Maroons had a few very close calls but didn’t manage to get anything over the line (or, more importantly, past the video ref).
Queensland came back strong early in the second half, Corey Oates managed to somersault into the corner in the 52nd minute giving Queensland their first try.
Welcome to the scoreboard, @QLDMaroons 😏
NSW lead 8-6 after 53 mins.#Origin pic.twitter.com/kTsBWmZhxz
— NRL (@NRL) June 5, 2019
Things drew even at 59 minutes after Queensland were awarded a penalty goal over Latrell Mitchell being held back from the ball. Things stayed at 8-8 until the moment I wait for in every Origin game — namely, when Dane Gagai takes the fuck off.
At 67 minutes Gagai ran only a few metres shy of the full length of the field on an intercept, passing through the Blues untouched like a magical fucking ghost.
YA KIDDING! 🔥
Move on over because the tables have turned…
QLD lead 12-8 after 68 mins.#Origin pic.twitter.com/WLlEFnLCvC
— NRL (@NRL) June 5, 2019
Just five minutes later, Gagai brought that lead up to 18-8 after placing the ball neatly in the corner.
Guess who’s back again 👀
QLD lead 18-8 after 71 mins.#Origin pic.twitter.com/fzchl2IqnS
— NRL (@NRL) June 5, 2019
A try for the Blues from Jake Trbojevic nearly gave me a stomach ulcer but ultimately was not enough, giving Queensland the win.
Don’t print the papers yet!
The @NSWRL Blues answer back ✊🏽
QLD lead 18-14 after 75 mins. #Origin pic.twitter.com/DZZUaVVrNN
— NRL (@NRL) June 5, 2019
As always: Shut the fuck up, Gus.
