Queensland stun NSW as Billy Slater gets State of Origin coaching career off to perfect start

Origin reflections are always soaked in hyperbole but this win against the odds from a courageous Queensland team will live in Origin folklore from now until there is no more.

Despite a baying crowd bathed in blue and a star-studded New South Wales team and a string of injuries throughout the match, Queensland found and found and kept finding in what was truly a win for the ages.

The Maroons trailed early after a bullocking Jack Wighton try put the Blues in front. New South Wales dominated early but a moment of brilliance from debutant Selwyn Cobbo, who scooped up a bouncing ball and with no room between the sideline and the closing cover defence dropped the ball on his right foot, centre partner Dane Gagai running through to score.

The Blues had a shot late following a soft Cameron Murray try. Isaah Yeo was but a stretch away from levelling the scores on the final play.

It was also a seminal victory for Queensland, who have seemed off-kilter once the last stars of the golden age faded and retired from the game. There was a memorable victory in 2020 but there has been little doubt that during the Brad Fittler era of the Blues, New South Wales have held the upper hand in both talent and psychology.

No longer. Queensland are back. For most of its history, the story of State of Origin has been the story of Queensland. New South Wales have been but a supporting actor. So it is again.

This win not only put Queensland in the box seat for the series but was a clear demarcation between the lost Queensland and the found Queensland. For the first time in 27 years, the Maroons put their faith in a coach with no coaching experience. All he had was the Queensland way. It was a leap of faith, and it proved inspired.

The signs were extremely positive from the Queensland side heading into the opener. Slater showed great faith in a number of debutants while maintaining the faith in the core. The vision was clear. Those debutants did not let Slater or their state down but also declared themselves long-term Maroons with the likes of Cobbo, Reben Cotter and Patrick Carrigan carrying on the legend of the Maroons overachiever. Munster, skipper Daly Cherry-Evans and outside backs Valentine Holmes and Gagai did what needed to be done.

For Fittler, the dice he rolled came up snake eyes. He pulled the right rein with Jack Wighton. The other major calls failed badly. Daniel Tupou was out of his depth. Stephen Crichton was the wrong choice to come off the bench. The pack was completely dominated. Changes will need to be made for Perth or the series will be gone.

Those questions are for another time though. Wednesday was about Queensland. This was their night. And a night that will stand as one of the most important in Maroons history.