NSW stun QLD in greatest Origin escape ever after insane final-minute comeback

NSW’s 22-20 win over Queensland at Accor Stadium was not just a late State of Origin comeback. It was a night that flipped almost every pre-game argument on its head — from Nathan Cleary’s big-match control to James Tedesco’s controversial recall and Laurie Daley’s faith in a Blues side that looked gone after 20 minutes.

Queensland had the match exactly where they wanted it early. The Maroons raced to a 20-0 lead, with Sam Walker looking completely at home in the Origin arena. His grubber for Robert Toia’s opening try set the tone, before Harry Grant’s sharp work around the ruck helped Tom Flegler score on his return to the Queensland side.

When Cameron Munster kicked through for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to extend the lead, NSW looked rattled and short of answers. The Blues were making the kind of errors that usually end Origin games before halftime. Mitch Barnett dropped the ball in the opening set, while Stephen Crichton and Brian To’o both had difficult nights with the ball.

The frustration was made worse by two missed attacking moments. Ethan Strange had a debut try ruled out for obstruction, and Cam Murray was also denied as NSW tried to force their way back into the contest without yet finding rhythm.

Then came the incident that changed everything. Kalyn Ponga was sent off for a shoulder charge on NSW debutant Tolu Koula, leaving Queensland to protect their lead with 12 men. From that point, the match became a test of nerve, fitness and game management.

Cleary answered louder than anyone. The NSW halfback, named man of the match, produced a second-half performance that carried echoes of Penrith’s 2023 grand final comeback. His 40/20 gave the Blues field position and belief, and his own try dragged the contest into dangerous territory for Queensland.

Just as important was Strange. Only promoted into the starting side after Mitch Moses suffered a hamstring injury, the Raiders five-eighth played with confidence beyond his experience. He forced an early error from Cameron Munster, stayed involved after his disallowed try, and later backed up a Crichton break to score the try that truly brought NSW back into the game.

Tedesco’s night summed up the chaos of Origin. At one stage, his poor pass appeared to waste a golden chance when NSW had numbers. Haumole Olakau’atu also dropped a ball close to the line as the Blues threatened to butcher their comeback. But with the match slipping into its final minute, Cleary sent a high kick to the right edge and Tedesco climbed above Queensland defenders, juggled the ball and grounded the winner.

That moment was bigger than one try. Tedesco had returned to the NSW team after two years away, with many questioning why he had been picked ahead of Dylan Edwards. By fulltime, the debate had a very different shape. His selection had been risky, but the final play made it decisive.

The official NRL match centre recorded NSW’s 22-20 victory in Game 1, while the result leaves Queensland needing to win in Melbourne to keep the series alive before a possible decider at Suncorp Stadium on July 8.

The result also adds fresh context to the earlier Blues selection debate around Tedesco’s return. Swikblog previously covered that discussion in detail here: Tedesco Comeback Call Stuns NSW Selection Debate Ahead of Origin 1.

Queensland will feel they let a famous win escape. Their opening 20 minutes were ruthless, Walker looked ready for the stage, and Munster’s influence had the Maroons in control. But Ponga’s send-off, NSW’s late possession and Cleary’s calm under pressure turned the match into one of the most dramatic Origin finishes ever seen.

For NSW, this was not a clean performance. It was messy, tense and at times nearly self-destructive. But Origin remembers moments, and this game will be remembered for Cleary’s command, Strange’s fearless debut, Ponga’s red card and Tedesco’s final-minute leap that completed a comeback few thought possible.

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