The State of Origin decider, an iconic event in Australian rugby league, took an unexpected turn with a Telstra outage causing chaos. This outage, which affected the entire country, left the bunker in Sydney without connectivity, a critical issue for a sport heavily reliant on technology. The NRL's contingency plan, which involved bringing referees' boss Jared Maxwell out of retirement and partnering him with Gerard Sutton in a van, harkened back to the sport's simpler days.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the night came before the game even started. Jai Arrow, a recently married former Maroon, received a standing ovation from the Lang Park crowd as he walked out, wearing his signature cane toad hat, to present the shield. Arrow's bravery in his ongoing fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) was celebrated by all in attendance.
Nathan Cleary, the Blues' halfback, put on a masterclass, scoring two tries and converting all five goals, an Origin record. His performance, which saw him surpass Michael O'Connor's record for most points by a New South Welshman, was described by his teammate Liam Martin as 'silencing the critics'. Cleary's dominance in this series has solidified his status as an all-time great.
The game also saw some key substitutions. After James Tedesco's concussion, New South Wales brought on Reece Walsh, known for his game-changing abilities. Similarly, Queensland, already trailing, introduced Walsh to spark a comeback. The Maroons' coach, Billy Slater, even kept Walsh on when Sam Walker passed his HIA, a bold move that paid dividends with Walsh's attacking prowess.
However, the game's most controversial moment came when Bradman Best scored a try for the Blues. Queensland captain Cameron Munster believed the try should have been disallowed due to a potential knock-on by NSW winger Jojo Fifita. Veteran Luke Lewis, a former NSW player, agreed, stating that Queensland was 'ripped off'. The TV replays were inconclusive, but the bunker's clearer view suggested otherwise.
This game showcased the best of rugby league, with dramatic moments, record-breaking performances, and a healthy dose of controversy. It's these elements that make the State of Origin such a beloved event, and despite the technical glitches, the night delivered an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike.
