Queensland Grind Out Game One Win

Queensland's search for back-to-back interstate titles began with a tightly fought 6-4 victory over New South Wales in the opening State of Origin encounter at ANZ Stadium.

In contrasting fashion to last year's emphatic 52-6 game three series deciding win in Brisbane, Queensland were forced to grind out a scoreless second-half, after a first-half penalty to five-eighth Johnathan Thurston and try to wing Dane Gagai edged out New South Wales' lone try to back-rower Boyd Cordner.

With just eight players remaining from that humiliating match, the new-look Blues, including four debutants and four recalled players, took the game to the visitors, but conceded the lead late in the first half and were unable to capitalise on numerous attacking opportunities late in the game.

Read the full report at NZ Herald