State of Origin gets HEATED: Tensions boil over in benchside brawl
A big fight broke out between Queensland and NSW during Origin III.
Post published: 11:50 AM BST, July 17, 2024 | Post updated: 1:00 PM BST, July 17, 2024
During the first half of the State of Origin decider, tempers flared and things got heated as Cameron Murray and Jeremiah Nanai were both sent to the sin bin for their involvement in a scuffle that even spilled over onto the sideline.
Queensland player Nanai stepped in to break up a scuffle between his captain Daly Cherry-Evans and NSW player Jarome Luai. Just when things were heating up, Murray unexpectedly entered the fray from the sidelines.
People everywhere were running in from different directions, with some even in their formal attire as they were not part of the playing team. Television screens and chairs were knocked over in the chaos caused by the players rushing in.
Feelings erupted on Wednesday at a crowded Suncorp Stadium following a tense, goalless first 20 minutes that was filled with intense defensive plays.
Cherry-Evans and Luai had a friendly exchange away from the action, which led to a small scuffle. Nanai was given a 10-minute break for getting involved and pushing the two players towards the sideline.
After being replaced, Murray joined the game and found himself under a bunch of players.
"That's not right, he should be removed from the game," Cherry-Evans told referee Ashley Klein when he chose to sin-bin Murray instead of sending him off.
A captivating first period ended with a 2-0 lead, with Valentine Holmes successfully scoring a penalty goal right before the buzzer to finally break the tie.
Queensland is trying to win their 10th out of the last 11 games, but they were struggling at the beginning against a determined NSW team after a tough loss in game two in Melbourne.
In the blog, it was mentioned that Tom Dearden, who plays five-eighth, managed to prevent the opposing team from scoring by making a fantastic tackle on Liam Martin near the tryline.
Emotions ran high during an intense State of Origin final match in Brisbane on Wednesday
Both teams' players got into a fight on the sidelines of Suncorp Stadium.
. The referee, Ashley Klein, was harsh in his judgment of the situation.
