The NSW Blues may have already won this year’s State of Origin series with victories in the first two matches, but there remains plenty at stake in tonight’s game against the Queensland Maroons at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
After breaking a nine-year Origin drought in Sydney, the Blues would love to emphasise their dominance with a 3-0 clean sweep. For the Maroons, finishing without a victory would be the ultimate insult after starting the series as heavy favourites.
Few points were scored in the first two matches, but many rugby league pundits expect an open game tonight with the series already decided. Crave Online will be providing live updates of all the action. Let’s get it on!
Fulltime: Qld wins 32-8. Great performance from the Maroons, but it came too late to save the series. NSW still have a bit to celebrate tonight despite losing. Thanks for joining us guys. Hope you enjoyed the game.
78th Minute: Another try to Qld. Cooper Cronk goes over to cap-off an impressive individual performance. Thurston adds the extras. Qld in front 32-8.
Maroons Celebrate (Credit: Getty)
75th Minute: Try to Qld. This time it’s Aidan Guerra scoring after being denied in the first half. Thurston nails the conversion. Qld lead 26-8.
73rd Minute: Try to Qld. Winger Darius Boyd goes over after a superb cut-out pass from Johnathan Thurston. Thurston converts. Qld up 20-8.
69th Minute: Maroons still up 14-8. Blues camped down their own end.
63rd Minute: Try to the Blues. Centre Josh Dugan goes over after Qld concedes a penalty in possession. Hodkinson converts. Qld lead 14-8. NSW back in the contest.
60th Minute: Qld receive a penalty after Nate Myles is lifted in a dangerous tackle. Thurston converts the chance. Maroons up 14-2.
56th Minute: Chip kick from Qld half Cooper Cronk threatens Blues line. NSW drop out.
51st Minute: Qld still in front 12-2. Maroons on top. Blues looking tired.
44th Minute: Qld over for an early try through Billy Slater. Pass from Justin Hodges looked a bit suspect, but the referee has pointed to the spot. Thurston converts for a 12-2 lead.
41st Minute: Second half underway. Maroons receiving. Qld up 6-2 and chasing its first win the series.
Halftime: Qld up 6-2 courtesy of a late try to Cameron Smith. The Blues were pinned down their end most of the half and are doing well to be only four points behind. Hopefully we see a few more points when play restarts.
38th Minute: Try to Qld. Daly Cherry-Evans busts the NSW line then kicks ahead for Cameron Smith to score. Thurston converts. Qld leads 6-2.
Cameron Smith of the Maroons dives over to score a try (Credit: Getty)
35th Minute: Qld get another shot at the NSW line but can’t crack the Blues, Inglis throwing an errant pass. Blues still up 2-0.
31st Minute: Heroic defence from the Blues denies Qld again. The Maroons must be getting frustrated .
28th Minute: Qld go close again. Blues winger Daniel Tupou knocks the ball dead to deny Will Chambers.
24th Minute: Blues receive a penalty after Trent Hodkinson is taken late in a tackle. They opt for the two points and Hodkinson converts. Blues up 2-0.
21st Minute: Still no points, but both teams throwing the ball round more than Origin two.
15th Minute: Maroons denied a try by the video referee for offside after Aidan Guerra touched down.
11th Minute: Johnathan Thurston knocks on for the Maroons. NSW defence holding strong.
10th minute: Qld earn another set after a short kick from Cooper Cronk. Maroons on the attack.
6th Minute: Qld goes close through Greg Inglis, but the centre loses the ball attempting to put it down. Blues play the ball.
4th Minute: Solid start from both sides. Blues gaining a bit more territory in their sets.
Kick-Off: State of Origin Three is underway. Here’s hoping for another classic. Blues receiving.
Pre-game: Getting close to kick-off. Good-sized crowd building at Suncorp Stadium and conditions look excellent for footy. Teams as per programme.
