In a memorable State of Origin opener, Lindsay Collins produced a moment that could go down in folklore, after his try assist sealed the Maroons victory.
The Sydney Roosters prop jumped above his club captain James Tedesco in the 76th minute, finding Cameron Munster in support who scored, making it 26-18 after the conversion.
Maroons legends Cameron Smith and Darren Lockyer were in awe of the prop, after the Blues were only trailing by two points before Daly Cherry-Evans’ kick led to the match-winner.
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“Unbelievable,” Smith said on Nine’s coverage.
“Of all the people that were going to stand up for the Maroons, it’s that man there, Lindsay Collins, the number 10.
“He was immense in last year’s Origin. He comes down with the biggest play of the night. He got up, outleapt his Roosters captain James Tedesco, the best fullback in the game, and he says here you go Munster.”
The Maroons were down to 12-men after Thomas Flegler was sin binned in the 68th minute in controversial circumstances.
With Ben Hunt playing centre, due to a Murray Taulagi injury, Queensland went on to score two tries through Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Munster despite being a man down.
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Lockyer explained Collins’ try and the side’s fightback came down to attitude.
“Origin is won on courage and the Maroons in the last 10 minutes have shown what it’s all about,” he said.
“Down to 12 men, Tuilagi goes down, Ben Hunt on the right. They don’t care. They just keep fighting. That’s what Queensland is all about. So well done to those guys. They all deserve it.”
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