New South Wales have pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in State of Origin history, clawing back from 18 points down to beat Queensland 22-20 in Game 1 of the 2026 series in Sydney.
The game looked all but over for the Blues in the first half. Queensland came out firing at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night, with tries to Robert Toia, Thomas Flegler, and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow — plus a Sam Walker penalty goal — sending the Maroons racing to a 20-0 lead inside the first 20 minutes.
New South Wales were sloppy with the ball and had no answer for Queensland’s fast start. Then everything changed.
In the 57th minute, Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off for a shoulder charge on Tolutau Koula, who was forced off the field after failing a head injury assessment. Down to 12 men, the Maroons suddenly looked very vulnerable.
The Blues pounced. Tries to Hudson Young, debutant Ethan Strange, and halfback Nathan Cleary slowly dragged NSW back into the game. Then, with the clock in the red, Cleary launched one of his trademark kicks and fullback James Tedesco dived over to score the match-winner. The crowd at Accor Stadium went wild.
Cleary was named player of the match, finishing with a try, three conversions, and two try assists. Queensland’s Sam Walker impressed on debut with two first-half try assists, but his team could not hold on with a man down.
NSW lead the 2026 series 1-0. Game 2 is at the MCG in Melbourne on 17 June, with a deciding Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 8 July if needed.
Final score: NSW Blues 22 (Tries: Young, Strange, Cleary, Tedesco; Goals: Cleary 3) def. Queensland Maroons 20 (Tries: Toia, Flegler, Tabuai-Fidow; Goals: Walker 3; Penalty: Walker 1)
