Overview
- New South Wales overturned a 20-0 deficit to win 22-20 after James Tedesco grounded Nathan Cleary’s late high kick and Cleary converted the final kick to seal the victory on Wednesday, May 27.
- Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off in the 58th minute for a high/shoulder charge on Tolutau Koula and the decision is widely reported as the match turning point.
- The NRL Match Review Committee graded Ponga’s tackle as a Grade 2 shoulder charge and fined him 23 percent of his match fee, a sanction that keeps him eligible for club and Origin selection if fit.
- Sam Walker, drafted into No.7 after Tom Dearden’s ankle injury, produced an influential Origin debut by creating two first-half tries and kicking all Queensland points while under heavy defensive targeting.
- The result gives NSW a 1-0 series lead and sets Game Two for June 17 at the MCG where selection questions for Queensland and tactical responses from both coaches will be closely watched.