Maroons Seize Victory with Strategic Brilliance and Heart
Queensland’s State of Origin 2024 triumph will go down as one of the most compelling sporting comebacks in Australian rugby league history. After a disastrous performance at home in Game 1, the Maroons stunned everyone with consecutive wins on enemy turf, dismantling a confused and crumbling NSW side.
Their 24-12 win in the decider didn’t fully reflect their dominance. Queensland played mistake-free football for most of the match, while NSW only managed late tries to save face. The Blues, once filled with confidence, now face a long off-season of regret and questioning.
Much of the pre-series chatter focused on a potential NSW dynasty. However, Billy Slater’s resilient Maroons silenced critics, staging a bold Origin ambush that few—even diehard Queenslanders—could have predicted.
Dearden and Munster Steal the Spotlight in Origin Decider
The bravery of Cameron Munster, who played just days after the death of his father, will be forever etched in Origin history. Slater’s gamble to pair him with Tom Dearden paid off, as the duo led with composure and fire.
Dearden, who had faced doubts after Queensland’s Game 1 loss, flipped the narrative. His leadership in hostile territory helped Queensland build two early 20-point leads in the final two games. The Cowboys playmaker scored in both halves of the decider, his second try coming from a dazzling show-and-go.
With no errors in the first 67 minutes, Queensland were surgical. Dearden didn’t just shine in attack—his defence proved just as vital, stopping several NSW breaks cold.
Dearden has now locked down the No.7 jersey. His control, resilience, and game sense put him far ahead of NSW counterpart Nathan Cleary, who struggled under pressure throughout the series.
Slater’s Coaching Gambles Rewrite Origin Legacy
Billy Slater’s leadership was under fire after Game 1. By Game 3, he was a genius. His selection changes, including dropping Daly Cherry-Evans and injecting Josh Papalii, shocked fans but delivered.
Papalii’s early carries set the tone. Gehamat Shibasaki, once on a train-and-trial deal, assisted the opening try for Xavier Coates. Centre Robert Toia, despite limited NRL experience, stood tall defensively on the edge.
At fullback, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow made a vital break and delivered two massive tackles to shut NSW out in the second half. Slater’s faith in his team—many of them Origin rookies—was fully justified.
NSW legend Laurie Daley, back as coach, was left stunned. His fourth decider loss saw the Blues outplayed tactically and physically. Injuries and misfires plagued his squad, and their attacking spine offered little against Queensland’s unity and structure.
Jarome Luai and Latrell Mitchell both missed chances, while the NSW forward pack was overpowered. The Blues’ defence on the edge faltered repeatedly, allowing Queensland’s backs to cut through.
This wasn’t just a loss—it was a statement from the Maroons. They adapted, they evolved, and they executed when it mattered most.
