IT was a fitting finale for an Origin champion.
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NSW skipper Paul Gallen departed the representative arena a winner after Michael Jennings scored a last-ditch try to snatch a miraculous 18-14 victory for the Blues at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night.
The home side looked set for another heartbreaking loss, and with it a series whitewash, when Queensland fullback Darius Boyd collected a Cooper Cronk bomb to put the visitors ahead 14-12 with five minutes remaining.
But somehow NSW found a way back. They did a Queensland on Queensland.
Blake Ferguson burst through a tackle and found James Tedesco who was dragged down inches short. They spun the ball to the left, and with seconds remaining, Jennings cut back on the inside and powered through three tackles to crash over.
Gallen, who had scored the lone try in 24 appearances, provided the icing on the cake, slotting the conversion, before raising his arms in triumph.
“Our effort has been outstanding there were just a few moments in the first two games that let us down,” Gallen said. “Tonight our execution was a bit better and we got the win in the end.”
Gallen, who broke Danny Buderus’ record of 15 games as NSW skipper, has no doubts the Blues are positioned to finally end Queensland’s dominance, albeit without him as leader.
“To win [the series] in 2014 was great but we took some steps forward,” he said. “I think tonight was another one and they will go to next year’s series full of confidence and hopefully get the win.”
Hooker Robbie Farah, who is expected to follow Gallen out the Origin door, praised the character of the Blues.
“That is what Origin is about,” he said. “It took 80 minutes to win the game and we came up with a play at the end to do it. We knew we had to show some character in the last 10 minutes. A lot of people have been criticising this side and we haven’t been too far off. Tonight we showed again we have great fight in us. Six debutants this year. There is obviously a change in the guard and hopefully that bodes well for the future.”
Despite the Blues’ late winner, it was Queensland captain Cameron Smith who lifted the Origin shield for the 10th time in 11 years.
“Congratulations to Queensland,” Gallen said. “As much as it pains me to admit it – and all the banter that goes on before the game – they are a bunch of champion players and a champion team as well. They have been very tough over the past 12 years and a great side.”
Playing his 24th interstate grudge match and leading the Blues for a record 16th time, Gallen produced a typically whole-hearted performance. He carved out 98 metres from 12 hit-ups and made 35 tackles in an all-effort 45-minute shift.
His overall figures, nine wins and 15 losses in 11 campaigns, are not a true reflection of his contribution. He exits having led the Blues to their only series victory – 2014 – in the past 11 series.
The NSW veterans are not the only players walking away from Origin.
Queensland ironman Corey Parker will hang up his boots at the end of the season. He was afforded a hero’s farewell at Suncorp Stadium after the series clinching 26-16, and can still walk away with his head held high. So too can Knights fullback Dane Gagai who completed his first series.
