Reigning State of Origin champions Queensland are leading New South Wales 1-0 in the three-match series after holding on to record a narrow 6-4 victory against the Blues at ANZ Stadium.
Kevin Walters’ side led New South Wales 6-4 at half-time of the first Origin game of 2016, and that was how it stayed right until the end after a scoreless second half.
In a typically pulsating and bruising game of rugby league, the Maroons hold the narrow advantage over the Blues thanks to Dane Gagai’s try just before the break.
The only difference between the sides in the opening quarter was Johnathan Thurston’s penalty goal, which had nudged the Queenslanders ahead 2-0.
But a smart piece of play from James Maloney close to the line allowed Boyd Cordner to cross, putting the Blues 4-2 ahead before Gagai’s try minutes before the interval.
And incredibly, there were no further points added as the Queenslanders held on to go 1-0 up with two matches left to play.
