New South Wales pulled off one of the most dramatic wins in State of Origin history, storming back from a 20-0 deficit to beat Queensland 22-20 in Sydney after Kalyn Ponga’s controversial second-half send-off changed the momentum completely.
Under siege after a disastrous opening spell, the Blues rallied behind Nathan Cleary and debutant Ethan Strange, who both starred in a relentless comeback capped by James Tedesco’s soaring late catch from a Cleary bomb to snatch victory in the dying minute.
Cleary controlled the second half with a match-winning display, while Strange impressed after being thrust into the starting side at the last moment. Queensland had dominated early through Sam Walker, Cameron Munster and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, but barely saw the ball after losing Ponga, leaving the Maroons needing a win in Melbourne to keep the series alive.
