It was hardly an attacking spectacle but it was edge of the seat entertainment, with NSW emerging victorious in State or Origin Game 2 to end Queensland dominance and win the Blues their first series in nine years.
It was a match that went down to the wire, NSW scoring a 71st minute try through halfback Trent Hodkinson to edge ahead 6-4, before holding out in the frantic final minutes.
When added to their triumph in Game One at Suncorp Stadium the win meant NSW would take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three match series and reclaim the Origin crown.
One of many NSW stars on the night was Paul Gallen, the NSW and Sharks skipper running for 210 metres on 24 carries while also making 35 tackles in an inspirational performance.
Gallen was later named Man of the Match by the host broadcaster, with his Sharks teammate Luke Lewis also having significant impact for the Blues when injected into the game in the second half.
A relieved, excited, emotional Gallen joined coach Laurie Daley at the post match press conference.
“I’m a bit numb at the moment to be honest. There are a lot of emotions,” Gallen said to the media.
Gallen and Daley would go on to talk through aspects of the match and individual contributions, while expressing their pride in the efforts of the team and what the win meant to not only the playing group but to NSW supporters who had remained loyal throughout the eight seasons of Queensland dominance.
For the full press conference, follow the link to the NSWRL website to see what Gallen and Daley had to say.
