Cronk sends Queensland into Seventh Heaven

Queensland celebrate historic win

A late Cooper Cronk drop-goal gave Queensland a dramatic 21-20 win over New South Wales in game three of the Origin series. The victory gives the Maroons their seventh consecutive Origin series win.

NSW found themselves 16-8 down at the break however rallied magnificently in drawing level at 20-20 with less then 10 minutes to go. Although with 5 minutes remaining Cooper Cronk hit a 40 metre drop goal to break NSW hearts and seal a thrilling series win for the Maroons.

It was also Petro Civoniceva's last ever origin game 12 month after Darren Lockyer retired and he left just like Lockyer on the high of a Queensland victory. 

The stage was set. 52,000 people in Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane for game three, Origin decider. Both sides desperate for victory as the Blues looked to end a six year losing streak. Changes were made by both sides notably Maroons coach Mal Meninga moved Greg Inglis to full back to replace injured Billy Slater while Ricky Stuart replaced Uate with Brett Morris.

The pressure and intensity was clear to see early on. In the second minute,  Paul Gallen was punished for a punch on Brent Tate. Replays showed Tate slamming  his fist into the side of Greg Bird's head as he lay on the ground after Bird had given Tate some treatment in the previous tackle. This resulted in a brawl including all the players. This was one of several clashes in the game.

It started well for the Blues, they defended well from early Queensland pressure and after Brett Morris crashed over and Todd Carney converted , adding to an earlier penalty, gave the Blues an 8-0 lead. This lead was cut short soon after as Darius Boyd went over in the corner for his third try of the series and sealing a terrific Queensland move. In the 32nd minute the Maroons hit the front for the first time as  Jonathan Thurston scored after he made the break from inside his own half before off loading. With NSW still struggling to get back into position a quick play the ball continued the move and despite a covering defence Thurston was able to finish off a move he had started. This gave Queensland a 10-8 lead however they were not done yet. Before the break Justin Hodges crossed as he sliced through the NSW defence and despite appealing of obstruction the video referee gave the try. The poor defending of NSW would have angered Coach Ricky Stuart.

After the break a clever grubber by Robbie Farah was grounded by Brett Stewart to cut the deficit to just 2 points, keeping the NSW dream alive. Then despite another two penalties from Thurston, NSW scored the try of the series. Possibly one of the great origin tries. Again it was Robbie Farah who provided it, the West Tigers man wonderfully weighted cross field kick to the corner was caught at full stretch by Josh Morris who beat Boyd to score a great origin try. Ricky Stuart punched the air as NSW fans 'dared to dream'. Carney added the conversion from the touchline to level the scores at 20-20. However it was not to be as Cronk broke the hearts of NSW with a superb drop goal.

Some magnificent performances on both sides. For NSW Paul Gallen once again lead from the front with a terrific display, Brett Morris justified his selection with a wonderful try and a great tackle to deny Greg Inglis a certain try. Todd Carney finish with 100% kicking conversion and despite criticism he can not be faulted. Personally I did not think NSW could replicate their performance in the second game however they gave it everything and were unlucky to lose in the end. For Queensland Greg Inglis filled in for Billy Slater well and was a constant threat on the attack. Backrower Nate Mykes won the Wally Lewis award for man of the series and deservedly so. Thurston won the man of the match which without doubt his best display of the series. Cameron Smith lead his troops well but obviously the headlines will go to one man. Cooper Cronk. Cometh the hour, Cometh the man and with time ticking away Cronk stepped up to win his team the game.

Meninga writing history as coach

Mal Meninga (left) is already a Legendary player of the game, however now that will read player and coach. His record as coach of Queensland is second to none. Seven Origin wins on the spin. True, the Queensland team has been remarkable in its wealth of talent with the likes of Darren Lockyer in these seven years however that does not make them win. He must take enormous credit. Meninga said afterwards:

"You have to understand the enormity of the challenge, going in every time as favourites, trying to keep that winning streak going. It takes a lot of effort. Because of that effort we're in there celebrating." 

Ricky Stuart's furture is in doubt however I hope he stays as I rate him as a coach and they came so so close.  He is the man for me to eventually end the Queensland wining streak. 

The State of Origin Concept is a great one and is a wonderful spectacle for the game of Rugby League. Its success is growing and this will not be changing anytime soon. Match winner Cronk described it as the "pinnacle of a players career, and I am honoured to wear the shirt". In my view Origin is one of the  greatest event of Rugby League and Sport.

**Top picture courtesy of www.Sportinglife.aol.co.uk; Mal Meninga picture courtesy of www.smh.com.au