The renowned State of Origin Series kicked off last night, with an explosive start to the opening rugby league match. The Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues started off their best of three saga, with an all-out brawl ensuing just three minutes into the game.
One of the highlights of the Australian rugby league calendar, the first match of the 2023 State of Origin trilogy was always going to have a heated start. But few would have expected to witness the scenes that took place in the opening three minutes in the Adelaide Oval.
Queensland debutant Reece Walsh jumped high to collect the ball from a kick off, and was caught on the way down by New South Wales Blues player Tyson Frizell. The replay showed how Frizell was actually struck by Walsh’s outstretched boot in the air, which prompted an aggressive reaction from Blues teammate Josh Addo-Carr.
The winger struck the now grounded Walsh with his forearm and elbow, and was additionally bundled on by Tevita Pangai Jnr. The brawl commenced between the Maroons and Blues, with Hudson Young and Daly Cherry-Evans getting into an altercation. Cherry-Evans ended the confrontation by judo throwing the Blues second rower to the ground.
The Maroons took the first win in the 2023 State of Origin Series, as they ran out eventual 26-18 winners.