2019 State of Origin series
The 2019 State of Origin series was the annual best-of-three rugby league representative series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons, played across three matches in June and July as part of the National Rugby League (NRL) calendar.[1] New South Wales won the series 2–1, securing back-to-back titles for the first time since 1985–1986 and ending Queensland's three-year winning streak (2015–2017). James Tedesco was named Player of the Series.[1] The series opened on 5 June 2019 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, where Queensland edged out New South Wales 18–14 in a dramatic comeback victory.[2] Queensland's tries came from Corey Oates and a double from Dane Gagai, with Kalyn Ponga adding a conversion and a penalty goal, while New South Wales responded through Josh Morris and Jake Trbojevic, converted by Nathan Cleary, who also kicked a penalty; the match was marred by a sin-binning of Blues centre Latrell Mitchell for a high tackle, which shifted momentum.[2] Attendance reached 52,191, highlighting the event's enduring popularity.[2] Game II, held on 23 June at Optus Stadium in Perth, saw New South Wales deliver a commanding 38–6 thrashing of Queensland, setting up a decider.[3] Tom Trbojevic starred for the Blues with a hat-trick of tries, joined by scores from Tyson Frizell and Josh Addo-Carr (two), while Queensland managed only a try from Will Chambers; James Maloney and Nathan Cleary handled the goalkicking duties for New South Wales, including two penalties.[3] The match drew a record crowd of 59,721 for a rugby league game in Western Australia, played under light rain.[3] The series concluded on 10 July at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, where New South Wales clinched the shield with a tense 26–20 win, thanks to fullback James Tedesco's last-gasp try in the 79th minute.[4] Tedesco scored twice, alongside tries from Paul Vaughan and Damien Cook for the Blues, all converted by James Maloney plus a penalty; Queensland fought back late with scores from Felise Kaufusi, Josh McGuire, and Josh Papalii, goalkicked by Ethan Lowe, but fell short.[4] A crowd of 82,565 witnessed the decider, which featured heated debates over refereeing decisions but ultimately celebrated New South Wales coach Brad Fittler's triumph over Queensland's Kevin Walters.[1]Overview
Series Summary
The 2019 State of Origin series was the 38th annual best-of-three rugby league representative series contested between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons, with teams selected based on the state of origin of players.[1] New South Wales won the series 2–1, claiming their first title since 2014 and their 15th overall, thereby ending Queensland's successful defense from the 2017 and 2018 series.[1][5] The matches were scheduled as Game I on 5 June at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Game II on 23 June at Optus Stadium in Perth, and Game III on 10 July at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.[3][4] Across the three games, aggregate attendance totaled 194,477 spectators, reflecting strong fan interest in the interstate rivalry.[6][5] Television coverage on the Nine Network drew nearly 10 million viewers nationwide, with ratings peaking at a national average of 3.211 million for Game I.[7] The Blues' triumph signified a pivotal shift in the series' momentum, revitalizing New South Wales' position after two consecutive Queensland victories.[1]Key Awards
The Player of the Series award, the Wally Lewis Medal, was presented to James Tedesco of New South Wales for his outstanding fullback performance throughout the 2019 series, highlighted by his offensive contributions including 3 try assists.[8] Man of the Match honors were awarded after each game based on voting from a panel of media representatives, former players, and coaches, who evaluated players' overall impact. In Game I, Queensland's Dane Gagai received the award for his two tries and strong aerial work in the Maroons' 18-14 victory.[9] Game II saw New South Wales' Jake Trbojevic earn the recognition for his tireless forward efforts, including 133 meters run and 24 tackles, during the Blues' dominant 38-6 win.[10] For Game III, James Tedesco again claimed Man of the Match with a decisive late try and series-clinching defensive reads in New South Wales' 26-20 triumph.[11] James Maloney of New South Wales was the leading points scorer for the series with 20 points, accumulated through 10 goals across the three matches.[5] Tom Trbojevic of New South Wales led the try-scoring with 3 tries, primarily from his hat-trick in Game II that helped secure the Blues' comeback series victory.[12] The series award, like the per-game accolades, emphasized cumulative impact, with judges focusing on players' contributions to team success in high-stakes interstate rugby league.[13]Background
Historical Context
The State of Origin series, inaugurated in 1980 as a means to revive interstate rugby league by selecting players based on their state of senior debut, had evolved into Australia's premier sporting rivalry by 2019. The 38th edition of the annual best-of-three contest between New South Wales and Queensland encapsulated decades of intense competition, with Queensland entering with a commanding historical edge of 21 series victories to New South Wales' 14, alongside two drawn series (1999 and 2002).[14] This lead was bolstered by Queensland's extraordinary run of eight consecutive series wins from 2006 to 2013, a period often referred to as the Maroons' golden era, during which they redefined dominance in the competition.[15] In the years immediately preceding 2019, Queensland claimed the 2017 series 2–1, but New South Wales responded by winning the 2018 series 2–1, their first victory since 2014 and ending Queensland's run of three straight series wins (2015–2017).[14] Entering 2019, New South Wales were the defending champions seeking back-to-back series triumphs for the first time since 2009–2010, while Queensland aimed to reclaim the shield after the 2018 defeat. This recent history amplified the stakes, underscoring Queensland's resilience despite the retirements of legends like Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston.[16] The cultural significance of the State of Origin rivalry lies in its embodiment of state pride, transforming a professional sport into a symbol of regional identity and loyalty in Australian rugby league. Rooted in the "state of origin" selection principle proposed by Queensland politician Ron McAulliffe in 1980 to counter Sydney clubs' poaching of northern talent, the series pits New South Wales against Queensland in a battle that transcends club affiliations, often described as "mate against mate" and captivating the nation with its raw intensity.[17] Events like the 1980 debut win for Queensland under Arthur Beetson and iconic moments such as the 1994 "miracle try" have cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon, drawing record television audiences and embodying the passion of two states' rugby league heartlands.[17] Heading into 2019, Queensland were favored to continue their dominance, buoyed by home-ground advantage at Suncorp Stadium for Game I and a core of experienced players, while New South Wales bore the weight of expectation to achieve consecutive series wins.[16] The Maroons' strong record in series deciders—winning 15 of 23 since 1982—further heightened anticipation for another tight contest, setting the stage for what promised to be a fiercely contested series.[16]Pre-Series Developments
Brad Fittler entered the 2019 State of Origin series as coach of the New South Wales Blues in his second year at the helm, building on the momentum from the previous season's series victory. Meanwhile, Kevin Walters was leading the Queensland Maroons through what would be his final series in charge, with seven-time premiership-winning coach Wayne Bennett set to take over the role afterward.[18][19] Walters, a former Maroons halfback, faced the challenge of rebuilding after key retirements, emphasizing team unity and experience in his preparations. Squad selections generated significant attention, with New South Wales announcing their 19-man panel on 27 May 2019, highlighting the return of fullback James Tedesco after missing the 2018 series due to injury. The Blues' lineup included five debutants, signaling a blend of youth and experience under Fittler. Queensland followed suit the next day on 28 May, naming an 18-man squad that leaned on seasoned players, including winger Corey Oates and halfback Daley Cherry-Evans, while retired hooker Cameron Smith joined the camp in a non-playing mentorship capacity to provide leadership guidance.[20][21] Injuries and selection debates added tension to the build-up. New South Wales grappled with the omission of centre James Roberts, who had been a key player in 2018 but was dropped from his club side and overlooked for the series amid a dip in form and off-field issues. Queensland's Darius Boyd, the veteran fullback, was passed fit for selection despite ongoing concerns over his recovery from prior hamstring injuries and a challenging club season. A major point of controversy centered on New South Wales halfback Nathan Cleary's inclusion, with critics questioning his selection given Penrith Panthers' poor start to the year and his own inconsistent performances, though Fittler defended the choice as part of a long-term strategy.[22][23][24] Game II's venue in Perth at Optus Stadium marked a historic shift, being the first State of Origin match held outside Australia's traditional east coast locations since a 1987 exhibition in Los Angeles, aimed at expanding the NRL's footprint in Western Australia. The decision supported broader league growth initiatives, drawing a capacity crowd and boosting rugby league's profile in the west. Training camps reflected contrasting approaches: New South Wales assembled in Bondi for initial preparations before relocating for game-specific sessions, while Queensland based their camp in Brisbane with restricted media access to maintain focus and secrecy during drills.[25][20]Men's Interstate Series
Game I
The first game of the 2019 State of Origin series was held on 5 June 2019 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with an attendance of 52,191 spectators.[2] Queensland defeated New South Wales 18–14 in a match characterized by a strong second-half comeback from the Maroons after trailing at halftime.[26] New South Wales took an early lead, scoring a penalty goal through Nathan Cleary in the 12th minute to make it 2–0.[27] They extended their advantage in the 19th minute when Josh Morris crossed for a try, converted by Cleary, giving the Blues an 8–0 lead at halftime.[27] Queensland struggled to break through in the first half despite applying pressure, with the Blues' defense holding firm under partly cloudy conditions and good ground.[2] The second half saw Queensland mount a decisive rally. Corey Oates scored the first try for the Maroons in the 52nd minute, with Kalyn Ponga converting to narrow the gap to 8–6.[2] The turning point came in the 57th minute when New South Wales' Latrell Mitchell was sin-binned for a professional foul, leaving the Blues short-handed.[26] Ponga leveled the scores with a penalty goal in the 58th minute at 8–8.[2] Dane Gagai then ignited Queensland's surge, intercepting a pass from James Maloney and racing 95 meters for a try in the 66th minute, though the conversion was missed, putting the Maroons ahead 12–8.[26] Gagai added a second try four minutes later in the 70th minute, converted by Ponga, extending the lead to 18–8.[2] New South Wales mounted a late fightback, with Jake Trbojevic scoring a try in the 74th minute, converted by Cleary, to close the margin to 18–14, but time ran out before they could equalize.[27] Queensland's defensive resilience, particularly in repelling New South Wales' late pressure, proved crucial in securing the victory and taking a 1–0 series lead.[26] Dane Gagai was awarded Man of the Match for his two tries and overall impact.[9] The under-18s curtain-raiser saw Queensland defeat New South Wales, though full details are covered in the junior competitions section.[26]Game II
The second match of the 2019 State of Origin series was held on 23 June 2019 at Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia, drawing an attendance of 59,721 spectators.[3] This was the first time the series was played in Perth, marking a historic expansion to a neutral venue outside the traditional eastern states. Unlike previous games, there was no Under-20s or Under-18s State of Origin match as a curtain-raiser; instead, a women's Under-23s exhibition between Western Australia and the Northern Territory preceded the main event.[28] New South Wales secured a commanding 38–6 victory over Queensland, levelling the series at 1–1 and forcing a decider in Game III. The Blues scored six tries to the Maroons' one, with Tom Trbojevic claiming a hat-trick (at 7, 34, and 53 minutes), Tyson Frizell crossing at 17 minutes, and Josh Addo-Carr scoring twice (57 and 73 minutes). Queensland's sole try was a penalty awarded to Will Chambers at 13 minutes for a high tackle by Dale Finucane. Nathan Cleary converted two of New South Wales' first-half tries, while James Maloney added three conversions, two penalty goals (44 and 49 minutes), contributing to the final tally. The match was played in heavy rain, which led to slippery conditions and multiple handling errors by Queensland, allowing New South Wales to dominate possession and territory.[3][29] New South Wales led 18–6 at halftime but unleashed a clinical second-half performance, adding 20 unanswered points without conceding any to Queensland. The Blues' explosive attacking play, particularly through Trbojevic's speed and Addo-Carr's finishing, exploited Maroons' uncharacteristic errors, including dropped balls and missed tackles, in what became the largest winning margin (32 points) in a Perth-hosted State of Origin game. Jake Trbojevic was named Man of the Match for his tireless forward work, covering 156 metres and completing 41 tackles, underpinning New South Wales' set completion rate of 88 percent. The emphatic win highlighted the venue's potential, with the large crowd and atmosphere prompting discussions for future series games in Western Australia.[29][30]Game III
The third and deciding game of the 2019 State of Origin series was held on 10 July 2019 at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, drawing a capacity crowd of 82,565 spectators.[4][31] With the series level at 1-1 following New South Wales' dominant victory in Game II, the match carried immense pressure as Queensland sought to reclaim the shield for an ninth consecutive year, while New South Wales aimed to secure back-to-back triumphs for the first time since 1985-1986.[32][11] New South Wales opened the scoring with a penalty goal from James Maloney in the fifth minute to lead 2–0.[4] Queensland responded when Felise Kaufusi crossed for a try at the 14-minute mark, converted by Ethan Lowe to take a 6–2 lead.[4] Lowe added a penalty goal midway through the half to extend the advantage to 8–2.[33] Paul Vaughan's try just before halftime, goaled by Maloney, leveled the scores at 8–8, setting up a tense decider.[4] In the second half, New South Wales surged ahead as James Tedesco scored in the 50th minute, followed by Damien Cook's try at the 59th, with Maloney converting both to build an 20-8 lead.[4] Queensland mounted a fierce comeback, with Josh McGuire crashing over in the 71st minute and Josh Papalii adding another try five minutes later, both converted by Lowe to tie the game at 20-20 with under four minutes remaining.[4] In a dramatic finale, Tedesco intercepted a pass and raced 40 meters to score the winner in the 79th minute, with Maloney's conversion sealing a 26-20 victory for New South Wales.[11][34] The match showcased intense physicality and momentum swings, highlighted by New South Wales' effective bench rotations, including powerhouse forward Payne Haas, who provided crucial metres and defensive solidity in his Origin debut.[35] Queensland's early dominance and late resilience kept the contest alive, but New South Wales' composure under pressure proved decisive. The victory sparked joyous scenes among Blues fans, marking the end of Queensland's eight-year streak and affirming New South Wales' resurgence under coach Brad Fittler.[32] New South Wales claimed the 2019 series 2-1, with James Tedesco awarded Man of the Match for his match-winning brace and overall influence.[11][36] The under-20s curtain-raiser saw New South Wales defeat Queensland 28-24.Participating Teams
New South Wales Blues
The New South Wales Blues, coached by Brad Fittler, entered the 2019 State of Origin series aiming to defend their 2018 title with a blend of established leaders and emerging talent. Fittler, in his second year at the helm, selected squads emphasizing speed in the backline and power in the forwards to counter Queensland's physicality. The Blues' strategy focused on high completion rates and exploiting edges, leading to a 2-1 series victory that marked their second consecutive shield.[20] For Game I at Suncorp Stadium, Fittler named a youthful side with five debutants, including prop Payne Haas and five-eighth Cody Walker, to inject energy against a hostile crowd. The 17-man starting lineup and interchange bench were as follows:| Position | Starting Player | Club | Interchange | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fullback | James Tedesco | Sydney Roosters | Cameron Murray | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Wing | Josh Addo-Carr | Melbourne Storm | Dale Finucane | Melbourne Storm |
| Centre | Latrell Mitchell | Sydney Roosters | Tyson Frizell | Newcastle Knights |
| Centre | Josh Morris | St George Illawarra Dragons | Nathan Brown | St George Illawarra Dragons |
| Wing | Nick Cotric | Canberra Raiders | - | - |
| Five-eighth | Cody Walker | South Sydney Rabbitohs | - | - |
| Halfback | Nathan Cleary | Penrith Panthers | - | - |
| Prop | David Klemmer | Newcastle Knights | - | - |
| Hooker | Damien Cook | South Sydney Rabbitohs | - | - |
| Prop | Payne Haas | Brisbane Broncos | - | - |
| Second row | Boyd Cordner (c) | Sydney Roosters | - | - |
| Second row | Ryan Matterson | Wests Tigers | - | - |
| Lock | Jake Trbojevic | Manly Sea Eagles | - | - |
| Position | Starting Player | Club | Interchange | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fullback | James Tedesco | Sydney Roosters | Api Koroisau | Penrith Panthers |
| Wing | Blake Ferguson | Parramatta Eels | David Klemmer | Newcastle Knights |
| Centre | Tom Trbojevic | Manly Sea Eagles | Paul Vaughan | St George Illawarra Dragons |
| Centre | Jack Wighton | Canberra Raiders | Ryan Matterson | Wests Tigers |
| Wing | Josh Addo-Carr | Melbourne Storm | - | - |
| Five-eighth | James Maloney | Penrith Panthers | - | - |
| Halfback | Nathan Cleary | Penrith Panthers | - | - |
| Prop | Daniel Saifiti | Newcastle Knights | - | - |
| Hooker | Damien Cook | South Sydney Rabbitohs | - | - |
| Prop | Jake Trbojevic | Manly Sea Eagles | - | - |
| Second row | Boyd Cordner (c) | Sydney Roosters | - | - |
| Second row | Tyson Frizell | Newcastle Knights | - | - |
| Lock | Cameron Murray | South Sydney Rabbitohs | - | - |
Queensland Maroons
The Queensland Maroons entered the 2019 State of Origin series under coach Kevin Walters, who was tasked with rebuilding the team following the retirement of several key veterans from the previous year's squad.[45] Walters emphasized a blend of experienced performers and emerging talent, with Daly Cherry-Evans appointed as captain to provide leadership in the halves.[46] The Maroons' roster was heavily composed of players who had won NRL premierships, including multiple contributors from the 2017 Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm sides, bringing a winning mentality to the interstate arena.[47]Game I Squad
The Maroons' lineup for Game I featured Kalyn Ponga making his fullback debut, injecting pace and attacking flair into the backline.[45] Dane Gagai, playing on the wing, emerged as the match hero with a late double, scoring two tries in a dramatic second-half comeback that secured an 18-14 victory.[48] Ben Hunt started at hooker, directing the forward pack alongside props Jai Arrow and Josh Papali'i.| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Fullback | Kalyn Ponga | Newcastle Knights |
| Wing | Corey Oates | Brisbane Broncos |
| Centre | Michael Morgan | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Centre | Will Chambers | Melbourne Storm |
| Wing | Dane Gagai | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Five-eighth | Cameron Munster | Melbourne Storm |
| Halfback (c) | Daly Cherry-Evans | Manly Sea Eagles |
| Prop | Jai Arrow | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Hooker | Ben Hunt | St George Illawarra Dragons |
| Prop | Josh Papali'i | Canberra Raiders |
| Second row | Felise Kaufusi | Melbourne Storm |
| Second row | Matt Gillett | Brisbane Broncos |
| Lock | Joe Ofahengaue | Brisbane Broncos |
| Interchange | Moses Mbye | Wests Tigers |
| Interchange | David Fifita | Brisbane Broncos |
| Interchange | Moeaki Fotuaika | Gold Coast Titans |
| Interchange | Kurt Capewell | Brisbane Broncos |
Game II Squad
Walters made minimal changes for Game II, replacing Arrow with Dylan Napa at prop to bolster the middle while retaining the backline structure.[49] The Maroons started strongly, scoring first through Will Chambers, but defensive lapses allowed New South Wales to run in five unanswered tries, resulting in a heavy 6-38 defeat.[29]| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Fullback | Kalyn Ponga | Newcastle Knights |
| Wing | Corey Oates | Brisbane Broncos |
| Centre | Michael Morgan | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Centre | Will Chambers | Melbourne Storm |
| Wing | Dane Gagai | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Five-eighth | Cameron Munster | Melbourne Storm |
| Halfback (c) | Daly Cherry-Evans | Manly Sea Eagles |
| Prop | Dylan Napa | Sydney Roosters |
| Hooker | Ben Hunt | St George Illawarra Dragons |
| Prop | Josh Papali'i | Canberra Raiders |
| Second row | Felise Kaufusi | Melbourne Storm |
| Second row | Matt Gillett | Brisbane Broncos |
| Lock | Joe Ofahengaue | Brisbane Broncos |
| Interchange | Moses Mbye | Wests Tigers |
| Interchange | David Fifita | Brisbane Broncos |
| Interchange | Moeaki Fotuaika | Gold Coast Titans |
| Interchange | Kurt Capewell | Brisbane Broncos |
Game III Squad
Injuries forced significant adjustments for the decider, with Kalyn Ponga ruled out due to a calf strain, prompting Cameron Munster to shift to fullback and debutant Corey Norman to partner Cherry-Evans in the halves.[50] Moeaki Fotuaika was unavailable, leading to inclusions like Christian Welch on the bench, while Josh Papali'i was relied upon heavily in the front row to drive forward momentum.[51] The Maroons led 14-10 at halftime but faltered in the second half, conceding late points in a 20-26 loss that ended the series 1-2.[11]| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Fullback | Cameron Munster | Melbourne Storm |
| Wing | Corey Oates | Brisbane Broncos |
| Centre | Michael Morgan | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Centre | Will Chambers | Melbourne Storm |
| Wing | Dane Gagai | South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Five-eighth | Corey Norman | Parramatta Eels |
| Halfback (c) | Daly Cherry-Evans | Manly Sea Eagles |
| Prop | Joe Ofahengaue | Brisbane Broncos |
| Hooker | Ben Hunt | St George Illawarra Dragons |
| Prop | Josh Papali'i | Canberra Raiders |
| Second row | Felise Kaufusi | Melbourne Storm |
| Second row | Matt Gillett | Brisbane Broncos |
| Lock | Kurt Capewell | Brisbane Broncos |
| Interchange | Moses Mbye | Wests Tigers |
| Interchange | Christian Welch | Melbourne Storm |
| Interchange | Josh McGuire | Brisbane Broncos |
| Interchange | Ethan Lowe | Parramatta Eels |
Players and Performances
Squad Debuts
The 2019 State of Origin series featured 13 players making their debut for either New South Wales or Queensland across the three matches, reflecting coaches' emphasis on injecting fresh talent based on strong NRL club form. These selections aimed to blend experience with emerging stars, particularly in the forwards and backs where injuries and performance dips prompted changes. Debutants were chosen for their standout contributions in the 2019 NRL season, such as Kalyn Ponga's explosive play for the Newcastle Knights and Payne Haas's dominant forward displays for the Brisbane Broncos.[45][20] In Game I at Suncorp Stadium, Queensland introduced four debutants, led by fullback Kalyn Ponga, who earned his spot through a prolific season that included multiple try assists and line breaks for the Knights. Ponga impressed on debut with 154 running metres, three goal kicks (two conversions and one penalty goal), and a crucial match-saving tackle on Latrell Mitchell late in the game, helping the Maroons secure an 18-14 victory despite a slow start.[53][2] The other Queensland newcomers—Moses Mbye (utility), Joe Ofahengaue (forward), and David Fifita (forward)—came off the bench and provided solid minutes in the forwards pack, with Fifita recording 12 tackles in his introduction. New South Wales blooded five debutants in a bold strategy by coach Brad Fittler: winger Nick Cotric, five-eighth Cody Walker, utility Jack Wighton, lock Cameron Murray, and prop Payne Haas, all selected for their rising club impacts, such as Haas's 150+ tackle busts in the NRL. These players contributed defensively but couldn't prevent the loss, with Cotric making 12 tackles and Walker assisting in key plays before being shifted.[2][54][55]| Game I Debutants | Team | Position | Club | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalyn Ponga | QLD | Fullback | Newcastle Knights | 154m run, 3 goals, defensive tackle |
| Moses Mbye | QLD | Interchange | Wests Tigers | Utility minutes, tackling support |
| Joe Ofahengaue | QLD | Interchange | Brisbane Broncos | Forward impact, 15 tackles |
| David Fifita | QLD | Interchange | Brisbane Broncos | 12 tackles, bench energy |
| Nick Cotric | NSW | Wing | Canberra Raiders | 12 tackles, aerial work |
| Cody Walker | NSW | Five-eighth | South Sydney Rabbitohs | Playmaking assists |
| Jack Wighton | NSW | Interchange | Canberra Raiders | Versatile bench role |
| Cameron Murray | NSW | Interchange | South Sydney Rabbitohs | Forward carries |
| Payne Haas | NSW | Interchange | Brisbane Broncos | Power runs, 18 tackles |
| Game II Debutants | Team | Position | Club | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Saifiti | NSW | Prop | Newcastle Knights | 84m run, tackle breaks |
| Dale Finucane | NSW | Interchange | Melbourne Storm | 30 tackles, leadership |
| Game III Debutants | Team | Position | Club | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corey Norman | QLD | Five-eighth | Parramatta Eels | Try assist, 85m run |
| Christian Welch | QLD | Interchange | Melbourne Storm | 22 tackles, forward support |
Statistical Highlights
The New South Wales Blues dominated the 2019 State of Origin series offensively, scoring 78 points and 12 tries across the three games while conceding 44 points and 7 tries to the Queensland Maroons.[5] The Blues maintained an average possession of 52% throughout the series, which contributed to their control in key moments, particularly in Game 3 where they held 51% possession.[59] In terms of set completion, New South Wales achieved an 85% rate compared to Queensland's 78%, reflecting greater efficiency in retaining possession during attacking sets.[2]| Team | Points For | Points Against | Tries Scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales Blues | 78 | 44 | 12 |
| Queensland Maroons | 44 | 78 | 7 |
| Category | Leader | Statistic |
|---|---|---|
| Meters Gained | James Tedesco (NSW) | 659m |
| Tackles | Boyd Cordner (NSW) | 120 |
| Goal-Kicking Accuracy | James Maloney (NSW) | 12/13 (92%) |