Thursday 18 July 2024

State of Origin : 2024

It's not quite as popular as it once was but it still ranks high on the RL calendar. Queensland went into this tournament with a 26-16 lead in the series and a 69-57 advantage in wins with two draws. Points scored are about even at 2,114-2,076. There is an article on the history up until 2021 which can be seen by clicking here. Now onto the 2024 edition.

Game 1: New South Wales 10-38 Queensland. 

Home town advantage didn't help NSW, the Blues going down in a heavy defeat. It didn't help to have a player sent off in the 7th minute. Queensland took full advantage to lead 20-0 at half time. The second period was only 18-10 to the Maroons but the result was never in doubt. 

Highlights link: Click here.

Game 2: New South Wales 38-18 Queensland. Held in neutral Melbourne, 90,000 live fans witnessed NSW cruise to a 34-0 half time lead. The game got niggly and Queensland came back to win the second half 18-4. Not much comfort in that but the Blues may reflect on losing some focus. 

Highlights link: Click here.

Game 3: Queensland 4-14 New South Wales. Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane offered the Maroons home ground advantage but a 2-0 half time lead was surely less than they hoped. As it transpired, it wasn’t enough for what turned out to be a rousing victory for the Blues. Two moments were needed to seal the win which resulted in two tries.

Highlights link: Click here.

Summary: Queensland still has the lead historically but lost a chance to extend that in this series. Decisively winning the first match in NSW 38-10 laid a platform for cementing another series win. Instead, they got walloped in Melboune and while showing defensive resolve at home in Brisbane barely fired an attacking shot all game. 

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