Queensland v New South Wales - Game 3
And so we have come to this. The closest series in recent memory reaches its finale at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night. This match will rival any decider we have seen in the greatest conflict in Australian sport.
‘Close’ is probably an understatement. The reality is that the only difference between these two teams has been the sin bin. Queensland gaining a match winning advantage while Michael Jennings sat down in game 1 and the Blues scoring two tries with Cooper Cronk off the field in game 2. So evenly matched throughout the series and it will be no different in the decider.
Not an inch given and not a moments rest. The fact that we can say this means New South Wales have come a long way. Talk has always been about passion and belief and whether the Blues have finally gone to the next level and perhaps they have, but in truth if Michael Jennings’ right hand does not dislodge the ball from Brent Tate in Sydney, then the series is over. Ricky Stuart is fired. Multiple changes called for by a confused and emotionally distraught population.
Speaking of Tate, a tip of the hat to a man who has no business being on a footy field after multiple injuries and multiple surgeries. If Queensland win he could well be Player of the Series to cap off one of the great stories in league. While we are tipping hats, here is one to Petero Civoniceva who turns up for his final origin match to celebrate a wonderful representative career. One of the toughest front rowers to ever play.
Unfortunately for Civoniceva and Tate, I cannot show any more respect than this because, basically, they both hate me as I’m born in New South Wales. That’s just what the cane toads do. So what choice do we have? Turn the other cheek? No. The opening exchanges will show that none of the 17 New South Welshman in this match will do anything but face Goliath front on and give it their best shot.
It will be violent, it will be passionate, it will be brutal and the winner will not be decided until the final moments when the cream rises to the top. Cam Smith and Jonathan Thurston have been the best in these moments for so long and if the Blues are any chance it will be Robbie Farah and Todd Carney who rise to the challenge. For the sake of all the blue believers from Broken Hill to Bondi Beach, we hope they do.
My tip: I have a heart attack after 70 minutes and miss the end.
Man of the Match: Greg Inglis
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