Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Liam Martin and Hudson Young helped drive the New South Wales Blues to State of Origin glory on Wednesday night, with their physical edge setting the tone in a famous decider win over the Queensland Maroons at Lang Park.
New South Wales stunned Queensland in Brisbane, and while Nathan Cleary won man of the match and Payne Haas was close behind, Martin and Young carried the aggression that made Laurie Daley’s side look built for the biggest stage.
The win added another defining chapter to the Blues’ Brisbane story, with State of Origin decider memories for New South Wales now joined by one of the state’s finest series-clinching performances.
Blues Backrowers Set The Standard
Martin and Young brought the edge New South Wales needed in the middle. Their running, tackling and willingness to absorb pressure helped the Blues withstand Queensland’s early heat.
"Huddo says me, I say it's Huddo. We'll blame each other, it's the old Spider-Man meme where they're pointing at each other," said Martin.
"I love running out with Huddy, he's a great fella and he's like me, he just competes.
"He always turns up and loves the tough stuff, we said to each other tonight we'd do whatever it takes for the team and I thought we did that."
Young finished with the most runs and metres of any New South Wales forward. He also scored after the siren, chasing through when most players were already preparing to celebrate.
Young Embraces Queensland Heat
The Lang Park crowd gave Young a fierce reception, but he took it as part of Origin football.
"It's just part of it. I don't mind if Queensland hate me, I'll do that for this blue jersey," Young said.
"Every time I wear it I just want to make my teammates proud.
"With the try, it's the way I've always played. The pain in the game will never outweigh the regret, that's what I always think. I don't want to have any regrets."
Martin topped the Blues tackle count with 40 and helped spark Cleary’s second try. Official State of Origin updates are available through the National Rugby League.
"I just love this stage. I love representing this jersey. This is the toughest game in the world and I love to embrace it, especially up here in Queensland," said Martin.
"Taking that on, there's no better feeling. I love it."
