Early send-off costs Blues as Maroons coast to Game I victory

The Queensland Maroons have taken a 1-0 lead in the 2024 State of Origin series, taking down an undermanned NSW Blues 38-10 on Wednesday night at Accor Stadium.

NSW came out of the blocks firing and dominated the opening five minutes of the clash.

After coming close to opening the scoring through Zac Lomax, the Blues were caught off guard when Ben Hunt crashed over moments later with the Maroons’ first real attacking chance of the game.

The Blues were left stunned as Queensland flexed their attacking muscle and proved how lethal they can be when given space close to the line.

The game was flipped on its head in the 7th minute when Joseph Suaali was controversially sent off for a head-high shot on Reece Walsh.

Suaalii, alongside all of the Blues faithful, were left stunned as reality kicked in for the host state who would have to play the remaining 70 minutes one man down.

Queensland took an eight-point lead courtesy of a penalty goal but NSW found their way back into the game as the returning fullback James Tedesco made his mark on the game.

Despite holding a glimmer of hope, NSW’s hopes was torn to shreds throughout the rest of the first half as Queensland took full advantage of the extra man on the left side.

A quickfire double to Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow put the Queenslanders into a healthy lead going into the break and all the momentum remained with the visitors.

With both sides going into the sheds, Queensland held a 20-6 lead and was heavily favoured to secure another Origin win in Sydney.

NSW started off the second half the same way they started the first, in a rapid fashion and looking the likelier of the two sides to score.

The Blues’ persistence finally paid off as Zac Lomax flew through the air to put the hosts back on the board in the early stages of the first half.

With the game hanging in the balance, NSW were forced to defend their line for the long portions of the second half, leaving them lacking energy in attack.

The hosts were bailed out by the bunker on two separate occasions as the Maroons continued to amplify the pressure close to the line.

Queensland’s constant pressure eventually paid off as the fload gates opened in the final 15 minutes.

Tries to Ben Hunt, Xavier Coates and a third to Tabuai-Fidow put the result beyond doubt and deflated the packed Accor Stadium.

Queensland walked away with a 38-10 win and will look to complete a third-straight series win in Game II in three week’s time.