Overview
- New South Wales recovered from a 20-0 deficit to beat Queensland 22-20 when James Tedesco leapt to collect a Nathan Cleary kick and Cleary converted with seconds remaining on Wednesday.
- Referee Ashley Klein sent Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga off in the 57th minute for a high tackle described as a shoulder charge, and the Match Review Committee fined Ponga 23% of his match fee for a Grade 2 shoulder charge.
- Sam Walker made a praised Origin debut for Queensland after Tom Dearden was ruled out with a syndesmosis ankle injury, creating early tries and converting goals despite the Maroons’ loss.
- The game was played in wet conditions at Sydney’s Accor Stadium before about 79,186 fans, produced heated debate over the send‑off as the decisive turning point, and left both coaches and commentators discussing officiating and discipline.
- The Blues lead the best‑of‑three series 1-0 and now head toward Game Two in Melbourne on June 17 with selection questions for both sides, while eligibility changes saw Victor Radley become the first England international to play for New South Wales under the new rules.