State of Origin
The last Origin decider in Brisbane featured a brawl. It’s why the Blues won’t back down again
Michael Maguire has preached to his team not to take a backwards step. So, if there’s a repeat of the last major State of Origin brawl, Blues players won’t be slow to react.
- by Adam Pengilly
Latest
Updated
NSW Blues
How suspended Waerea-Hargreaves almost cruelled Watson’s Origin hopes
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has been hit with a four-match ban for a careless high tackle – and he almost ended Connor Watson’s hopes of playing in Origin III.
- by Christian Nicolussi
‘No beaches in Penrith’: Luai rescued on surfing trip
NSW five-eighth Jarome Luai had to be pulled from the water at Urbnsurf as the Blues hit the waves on Tuesday morning.
- by Christian Nicolussi
Luai struggles in the surf
It's lucky State of Origin isn't a surfing contest with NSW five-eighth Jarome Luai struggling in the waves at the Urbnsurf centre.
Opinion
Opinion
History points to Maroons three-peat – but don’t put your glasshouse on it
After day one of the State of Origin gibber fest, it’s fair to say “bullying” will be the buzzword of choice in the lead-up to the decider.
- by Andrew Webster
Blues debutant Mitch Barnett missed the birth of his son – to help his NSW teammates
The 30-year-old will get his first Origin cap in the series decider – and coach Michael Maguire knows the extent of his sacrifice.
- by Adam Pengilly
‘It was the reality’: How Ponga defied retirement threat to seal Origin fate
As Kalyn Ponga announces his return to the Origin arena, how he and another livewire star combine could make or break the Maroons’ quest for victory.
- by Nick Wright
‘Gordie might be sitting inside that glasshouse’: Maguire takes aim at Maroons legend
The NSW coach has criticised Queensland and Gorden Tallis for being upset with some of his side’s tactics in the second Origin game.
- by Christian Nicolussi and Billie Eder
Analysis
NRL 2024
Slater is yet to lose a series as coach. But has he got it wrong this time?
Billy Slater is undefeated at the Queensland helm. But as a shock snubbing continues after the capitulation in game two, has he got it right?
- by Nick Wright
Updated
NRL 2024
Mitchell ruled out for at least a month; Best, Ponga to make Origin recalls
Mitchell is no chance of playing in the Origin decider, while Kalyn Ponga is set to return and Michael Maguire will hand out another debut to a NSW forward.
- by Michael Chammas and Adam Pengilly
‘10 out of 10’: Why Cleary is envious of Moses’ Origin masterclass
Nathan Cleary was so impressed with Mitchell Moses’ performance for the Blues in Origin II that he wants to incorporate some of what the Eels No.7 produced into his own game.
- by Christian Nicolussi