NSW have thumped Queensland 34-10 in State of Origin two setting up an intriguing final in Brisbane. Video / NRL / Sky Sport
The 2020 State of Origin series is heading to a decider after NSW equalled its fourth-biggest win courtesy of a 34-10 thrashing of Queensland at ANZ Stadium.
The Maroons had their backs to the wall from the kickoff with five-eighth Cameron Munster ruled out through concussion just two minutes in after being dragged down by Tyson Frizell when he marked the ball in-goal.
Despite the loss of Munster, the visitors scored first when Xavier Coates crossed for an acrobatic try in the corner, essentially doing a backflip over the line to plant the ball down.
NSW halves Nathan Cleary and Cody Walker controlled the match perfectly, with Walker scoring his team's first four-pointer, spinning out of a tackle and bursting over the line.
Leading 18-4 at the break, the Blues' biggest halftime lead since 2013, they maintained the rage in the second half with Jack Wighton crossing the line after just two minutes.
Josh Addo-Carr of the Blues celebrates after scoring his second try during game two of the 2020 State of Origin series. Photo / Getty
Winger Daniel Tupou scored his first Origin try next before Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui settled an old score as the 20-year-olds were sin binned for throwing punches.
Before the game, the most likely player to cause a stink was Nathan Brown – and the prediction was bang on. But while the fiery forward usually sparks events through his play, it was kicking a ball away after Isaah Yeo ran Valentine Holmes off the ball that spiced up the contest.
Queensland hooker Jake Friend took exception and clipped the Eels forward behind the ear – then it was on for young and old.
Fa'asuamaleaui was told multiple times to stay out of it, while Haas got up in his face. Then punches were thrown as everyone came running in.
Fa'asuamaleaui and Haas were both given their marching orders with Andrew Johns in commentary declaring the fight received "the loudest cheer of the night".
On Channel 9 post-game, Phil Gould was scathing about the quality of the fight, saying "on the score of fights in Origin over history, that runs dead last".
"There's nothing in all of this. Why players had to go to the sin bin, I don't know," Gould said. "If we put that up against the best fights in Origin history, it runs a very poor last.
"I don't see why players had to be sent to the bin in this situation. Having said that, NSW got brought into that. Jake Friend, Brown, they got the brouhaha going.
"All of a sudden, down to 12-men a piece, Queensland come up with a try, you're inviting disappointment into your game. You have to maintain that discipline."
After the extra-curriculars, Josh Papalii scored a consolation try for Queensland but Josh Addo-Carr's second four-pointer sealed the victory – NSW's biggest since 2017.
New South Wales 34 - Cody Walker, James Tedesco, Josh Addo-Carr 2, Jack Wighton Daniel Tupou tries; Nathan Cleary 4 cons, pen. Queensland 10 - Xavier Coates, Josh Papalii tries; Valentine Holmes conversion.
