Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Queensland State of Origin win hopes are alive after the Maroons stormed past New South Wales 44-24 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday night, setting up a Game 3 decider at Suncorp Stadium on July 8.
Selwyn Cobbo scored a hat-trick as Queensland produced six second-half tries, turning a 12-8 halftime deficit into a famous victory in front of a record Origin crowd of 91,671.
For more rugby league coverage, read Marcelo Montoya retirement confirmed as Canterbury Bulldogs winger sets NRL farewell. Fans can also follow official series updates through the State of Origin page on NRL.com.
Queensland take control after halftime
New South Wales started sharply, with Kotoni Staggs scoring in the sixth minute before debutant winger Mark Nawaqanitawase also crossed early.
Queensland stayed close despite Cameron Munster and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui both being tested for HIA during the first half. The Maroons hit back through Trent Loiero and kept New South Wales within reach before the break.
Cameron Munster then took charge after halftime, with Sam Walker also playing a key role in the Maroons’ attacking rhythm. Walker was named man of the match after a flawless night with seven conversions and a penalty.
“We just dug a little bit deeper and we had to,” Munster told the Nine Network.
“We had some good little clutch plays from Hammer (Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow), Jojo (Fifita), and Selwyn to ice the cake. I’m really proud of the boys.”
Cobbo treble breaks New South Wales
Cobbo scored twice early in the second half, while Jojo Fifita rose high to add another as Queensland built a 14-point lead with 25 minutes left.
Nawaqanitawase’s second try in the 59th minute gave New South Wales hope at 26-18, but Staggs was later sin-binned for a high shot on Kalyn Ponga.
“That second half we weren’t good enough and they came out with everything they had,” New South Wales fullback James Tedesco said during the broadcast.
“But we have an opportunity with a decider in Suncorp.
“They lost the first game and had everything to lose and they out-enthused us in most areas.”
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored after Ponga’s offload before Cobbo completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute.