Two nights ago in Melbourne Australia the second game of the 2024 State of Origin Series was played and won by New South Wales 38-18. This result has tied up the 3 match series 1-1 with the deciding match to be played in Brisbane in just a couple of weeks.
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The result was a surprising one for many because NSW completely dominated the first half to be leading 34-0 at the break. This was actually a new record scoreline for half time in an origin game and while NSW was helped with a few penalties early they had such massive momentum in the first half that it seemed like there was only one team out on the field.
In the second half Queensland got their act together and they actually won the second half 18-4 but the damage had been done and they really had no chance to overcome the scoreline of the first half onslaught. The NSW Halfback Mitchell Moses won Man of the Match for setting up 4 tries and executing an impeccable kicking game. Many pundits have commented that it’s the best game they’ve seen him play so hopefully he stays fit and can repeat the performance in the final game.
Early betting markets for Game 3 are exactly split, suggesting that it’s a Coin Toss from here and the hype expected in the build up for the final game is likely to be unprecedented. It’s a home game for Queensland and that will give them some advantage, but after the way they were humbled in Game 2 you would be forgiven for having some doubts.
However, history has a way of reminding everyone that Queensland will get up when they need to. I personally think they came out flat and perhaps a little complacent in Game 2. That’s unlikely to happen again in front of their home crowd with the series at stake.