QLD Maroons claims 26-18 win over the NSW Blues in State of Origin opener

The Queensland Maroons kicked off the 2023 State of Origin pulling the first win in game 1 after beating the New South Wales Blues 26-18 last night.

The Maroons drew first blood scoring a converted try through centre Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the 8th minute before winger Selwyn Cobbo extended the lead to 10-0 with an unconverted try in the corner 12th minute into the first spell.

The Blues replied with a converted try to forward Liam Martin in the 33rd minute.

The game went into the break with the Maroons holding a slender 10-6 lead.

Fiji Bati and West Tigers halfback Apisai Koroisau opened the scoring for the Blues in the second spell with a converted try in the 44th minute to give his side a slight 12-10 lead.

Winger Cobbo scored his second try for the Maroons to regain the lead before Stephen Crichton pulled one try back for the Blues in the 68th minute as the Blues regained the lead 18-16.

The Maroons raced away in the final 8 minutes of the game scoring two more tries to Tabuai-Fidow again and Cameron Munster to give the Maroons the win.

Game 2 between the Blues and the Maroons will be on the 21st of this month.

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