June 03, 2009

Queensland have claimed a 28-18 victory over New South Wales in the opening State of Origin clash at Etihad Stadium to move one win away from a record fourth-straight series crown.

Led by two tries to centre Greg Inglis and a flawless game from halfback Johnathan Thurston, the Maroons secured a five tries to three victory in front of 50,967 fans to take a 1-nil lead in the best-of-three series.

The Maroons led 24-6 after 43 minutes and appeared to have the match in their control, but two fortuitous tries to the Blues ensured a tense finish to an enthralling football game.

Queensland skipper Darren Lockyer missed a field goal attempt in the 75th minute but it didn't matter as the Blues couldn't conjure the try to level the game.

Winger Darius Boyd then rammed home the victory with a try in the corner on the siren.

Queensland will now head to Sydney's ANZ Stadium on June 24 for the chance to secure the first-ever fourth consecutive series title in 30 years of Origin.

The Maroons led 18-2 after 18 minutes thanks to three tries in an eight-minute period that left the baby Blues stunned.

Billy Slater opened the scoring in the 10th minute from a Cameron Smith grubber, followed by Inglis (15th) and Thurston (18th minute) to give Queensland an 18-2.

But NSW, fielding seven rookies, recovered somewhat to claw their way back into the contest with a try to debutant Ben Creagh to trail 18-6 at half-time.

The score may have been closer but Jarryd Hayne was denied a sensational try in the eighth minute when the video referees deemed his left foot brushed the touchline as he danced 40 metres down the field to score.

However the game was virtually put to bed just three minutes after the break when Inglis sprinted 75m to score a sensational try after an outstanding offload by Nate Myles and cut-out pass from Thurston.

Blues utility Craig Wing sparked some life back into the NSW side only seconds after coming onto the field in the 56th minute when he scored a try after Luke Lewis collected the deflection from Peter Wallace's kick.

Luck again favoured the Blues in the 68th minute when Robbie Farah collected a charge down from his own kick to put Jarryd Hayne across and reduce the deficit to six points with 10 minutes to play.

The Blues had all the running and continually threatened but the champion Queensland side held strong to seal a memorable win.

The only negative for Queensland was the loss of centre Justin Hodges to a medial ligament injury in his right knee in the first half.