ID :
184379
Wed, 05/25/2011 - 16:28
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/184379
The shortlink copeid
Qld hang on for 6-0 HT Origin lead
SYDNEY (AAP) - Queensland have held on for a 6-0 halftime lead over a fast-finishing NSW in the State of Origin opener at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
The initial signs were ominous for the Blues as the Maroons made the perfect start to their plan to send retiring skipper Darren Lockyer out a winner with a sixth straight Origin series victory.
Prop Matt Scott bludgeoned NSW early, paving the way for Queensland to draw first blood in just the fifth minute.
Maroons halfback Johnathan Thurston pounced on a Cameron Smith grubber from dummy half after initially appearing to have over-run the kick.
Thurston converted to make it 6-0 against a shellshocked NSW.
Indeed everything appeared to be swinging Queensland's way early.
Any nerves for Queensland debutant Dane Nielsen disappeared after what looked like a try-saving tackle on a flying Michael Jennings in the 10th minute - tossing the dangerous centre into touch to boot.
Jennings was unlucky again in the 19th minute when he inadvertently collected a forward pass.
NSW skipper Paul Gallen set Josh Dugan free, only for the impressive rookie fullback to juggle the ball and marginally knock the ball forward to Jennings with the line open.
It was a rare early attacking raid for NSW, with Blues pivot Jamie Soward not producing his first kick until the 21st minute.
Despite Queensland's early dominance, the Blues ground their way back into the contest as the Maroons tired and mistakes crept into their game.
Queensland centre Willie Tonga received treatment for what appeared to be a shoulder complaint in the 12th minute but remained on the field.
The Blues predictably started the game with reserve Dean Young at hooker for the early exchanges, but the game began to turn NSW's way after No.1 hooker Michael Ennis was injected midway in the first half.
The initial signs were ominous for the Blues as the Maroons made the perfect start to their plan to send retiring skipper Darren Lockyer out a winner with a sixth straight Origin series victory.
Prop Matt Scott bludgeoned NSW early, paving the way for Queensland to draw first blood in just the fifth minute.
Maroons halfback Johnathan Thurston pounced on a Cameron Smith grubber from dummy half after initially appearing to have over-run the kick.
Thurston converted to make it 6-0 against a shellshocked NSW.
Indeed everything appeared to be swinging Queensland's way early.
Any nerves for Queensland debutant Dane Nielsen disappeared after what looked like a try-saving tackle on a flying Michael Jennings in the 10th minute - tossing the dangerous centre into touch to boot.
Jennings was unlucky again in the 19th minute when he inadvertently collected a forward pass.
NSW skipper Paul Gallen set Josh Dugan free, only for the impressive rookie fullback to juggle the ball and marginally knock the ball forward to Jennings with the line open.
It was a rare early attacking raid for NSW, with Blues pivot Jamie Soward not producing his first kick until the 21st minute.
Despite Queensland's early dominance, the Blues ground their way back into the contest as the Maroons tired and mistakes crept into their game.
Queensland centre Willie Tonga received treatment for what appeared to be a shoulder complaint in the 12th minute but remained on the field.
The Blues predictably started the game with reserve Dean Young at hooker for the early exchanges, but the game began to turn NSW's way after No.1 hooker Michael Ennis was injected midway in the first half.
