WEB State of Origin 2018 Game 1 NSW Blues beat Queensland Maroons as it happened
Inexperienced Blues score four tries at MCG
An injury-hit New South Wales Blues side has handed Queensland Maroons an 18-14 defeat in the opening match of the 2018 State of Origin series.
Brad Fittler's side, boasting eight debutants, scored four tries at a rain-soaked MCG on Wednesday night to beat their more experienced opponents, who led 14-6 at half-time but were unable to add to their tally in the second half.
Match highlights
The Blues drew first blood when Josh Addo-Carr crossed in the corner after just seven minutes, with James Maloney converting from the sideline to give the tourists an early 6-0 lead.
Queensland hit back in the 32nd minute when Daly Cherry-Evans grubbered through for Billy Slater to score, with Cameron Munster converting to level the scores at 6-6.
The Maroons then took the lead for the first time when Munster crossed in the 39th minute, with his conversion giving the hosts a 14-6 half-time lead.
However, the Blues hit back strongly in the second half, with Tom Trbojevic scoring his side's second and third tries to give the Blues an 18-14 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining.
The Maroons had a chance to level the scores when they were awarded a penalty with just minutes remaining, but Munster's attempt at goal fell just short, handing the Blues a famous victory.
Conclusion
The Blues' victory was a remarkable achievement, given the number of debutants in their side and the fact that they were without several key players through injury.
It was just the second time in the history of the State of Origin series that a team has won the opening match with eight or more debutants, with the Blues now holding a 1-0 lead in the series.
Game 2 of the series will be played at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on June 24.
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