Pirtek Parramatta Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne has put in a spirited performance to help the NSW Blues beat the Queensland Maroons 14-6 in the opening State of Origin match at ANZ Stadium.
In front of 80,380 roaring fans - Hayne earned his first Origin victory as a fullback after the opening try in a monster effort to get the Blues on the scoreboard.
A brilliant flick pass from Luke Lewis landed in Hayne's hands in the opening 20 minutes, and with an outstretched arm he was over.
Click here to watch our interview with Jarryd Hayne in the sheds after the game.
The Queensland side looked lost in much of the first half, with their key players failing to make an impact against the rampaging Blues outfit.
The home side continued their dominance in the first half, with NSW debutant James Maloney scoring off a penalty to extend their lead.
Roosters teammate Michael Jennings provided some more razzle-dazzle - catching a falcon off Brent Tate and then running riot around the Queensland defenders to score a second try, taking the Blues to a 14-0 advantage at the main break.
But it wasn't without controversy, with captain Paul Gallen and Nate Myles getting in a punch-up, after the Blues prop made a series of complaints to the referees about his tackles.
Gallen has been placed on report and could miss one match with an early guilty plea, and has until midday Thursday to enter a plea - although he wasn't penalised during the match for the incident.
The Queensland side lifted in the second half, with Darius Boyd crossing for a try with 19 minutes remaining to bring the game within eight points, but the Blues held their nerve and maintained their quality defence to earn the win.
The Blues will now travel to Queensland in three weeks look to break the Maroons' seven series-winning stretch.
NSW Blues 14 (Hayne, Jennings tries, Maloney 2 goals, 1 penalty goal)
def.
Queensland Maroons 6 (Boyd try, Smith goal)
We caught up with a happy Assistant Coach Matt Parish in the sheds after the game.
In front of 80,380 roaring fans - Hayne earned his first Origin victory as a fullback after the opening try in a monster effort to get the Blues on the scoreboard.
A brilliant flick pass from Luke Lewis landed in Hayne's hands in the opening 20 minutes, and with an outstretched arm he was over.
Click here to watch our interview with Jarryd Hayne in the sheds after the game.
The Queensland side looked lost in much of the first half, with their key players failing to make an impact against the rampaging Blues outfit.
The home side continued their dominance in the first half, with NSW debutant James Maloney scoring off a penalty to extend their lead.
Roosters teammate Michael Jennings provided some more razzle-dazzle - catching a falcon off Brent Tate and then running riot around the Queensland defenders to score a second try, taking the Blues to a 14-0 advantage at the main break.
But it wasn't without controversy, with captain Paul Gallen and Nate Myles getting in a punch-up, after the Blues prop made a series of complaints to the referees about his tackles.
Gallen has been placed on report and could miss one match with an early guilty plea, and has until midday Thursday to enter a plea - although he wasn't penalised during the match for the incident.
The Queensland side lifted in the second half, with Darius Boyd crossing for a try with 19 minutes remaining to bring the game within eight points, but the Blues held their nerve and maintained their quality defence to earn the win.
The Blues will now travel to Queensland in three weeks look to break the Maroons' seven series-winning stretch.
NSW Blues 14 (Hayne, Jennings tries, Maloney 2 goals, 1 penalty goal)
def.
Queensland Maroons 6 (Boyd try, Smith goal)
We caught up with a happy Assistant Coach Matt Parish in the sheds after the game.
