Maroons write another chapter in book of great comebacks

FOGS
Jul 1
4 min read

Queensland continue to break State of Origin records and add to the rich Maroons history of stunning comeback victories.

The 44-24 win in game two of the Origin series at the MCG was another backs-against-the-wall win and showcased the skill, belief and teamwork of the side expertly coached by Maroons legend Billy Slater.

The Maroons have a track record of comeback triumphs against the odds. Mark Coyne's "Miracle Try" in game one of 1994 and Darren Lockyer's late four-pointer to win the decider in 2006 are two that stand out, but this Maroons side under Slater continue to set the bar high in the record-breaking stakes.

Last year's 2-1 series win was the first time in Origin history that Queensland had won two games on the road to win the series after losing game one at home.

The 36 points scored in the second half at the MCG in game two this year was the most by any Origin side in the second half.

They had to do it the hard way after trailing 12-2 in the 23^rd minute. Captain Cameron Munster and brave prop Tino Fa'asuamaleaui both spent 15 minutes off the field in the first half with HIAs.

Slater said the win summed up the spirit of his side and the state they represent so proudly.

"I think all in all it is probably the Queenslander in them,” Slater said.

“I am from Far North Queensland. I know what cyclones do to us and Queenslanders get back up and go again. You see it out west with the floods and the droughts. They all get back up and go again.

“They don't sit there and whinge about things, so I love the fact that we leant on the Queenslander in us.”

The Maroons, to a man, were outstanding and there were notable individual displays of class.

Man of the match Sam Walker was composed and precise at halfback, where his eight goals from eight attempts ensured the Maroons kept going up by six.

Queensland's "everywhere man" Max Plath showcased his versatility and willingness to do anything the team requires, and he did it at the highest level.

Hat-trick hero Selwyn Cobbo returned one of the best displays ever by a Maroons winger in Origin footy.

Plath, who had a hand in several tries, filled in at five-eighth for Munster in defence when the skipper was off and was a brick wall.

“We played pretty tough through that period,” Maroons hooker Harry Grant said.

“Max Plath didn't train at all at three-in during the week and he slotted in there for the 15 minutes that Munny had to be off the field.

Plath said Slater told him just before he ran out to be ready to fill in defensively at five-eighth for the skipper. He grew an extra leg.

"I'm glad he did because I got my head around that straight away. I did my best and I have defended in that position since I was little when I played in the halves, so there were no excuses,” Plath said.

Slater explained his ultimate faith in Plath to do the job.

“I didn't know whether it was the right thing in the sheds to actually grab Max and do that, playing just his second Origin game,” he said.

"It probably reflected the opinion I have of him, where he is at with his footy and his mentality that he could handle that. He’s a wonderful player and we hold him in high regard."

The bravery of Fa’asuamaleaui will never be forgotten. His beloved father Fereti passed away during the camp and he went and grieved with his family before returning to join the team. The rugged prop was a tower of strength throughout and did his dad proud.

"It wasn't hard because I knew my dad wanted me to do this. He sacrificed a lot for me growing up," Fa’asuamaleaui said.

"His last day on earth he told me, 'son, whatever happens next, you make sure you represent Queensland and play hard'. That meant so much.

"While it was hard for him not watching me, I know he had the best seat in the house watching that game. He will be really proud."

Fereti was a rugby union player who converted to league after being recruited by the great Arthur Beetson.

"He played for Toa Samoa and travelled the world playing sevens and accomplished a lot for a young boy from Samoa,” Tino said

“To get picked up by Arthur Beetson was a full-circle moment. Arthur Beetson was our number one Queensland player."

Grant played 80 minutes and had a terrific match. His combination with Walker was a highlight.

“I love Sammy just playing his own game,” Grant said.

“I play footy because I love it and I have since I was a kid, and that's why I love playing with Sammy because it just looks like he's out there having fun. He’s really creating the game as it unfolds in front of him.”

Walker said Munster’s return in the second half gave him a lift and enabled him to take control.

“He steered us around and allowed us to be in better positions. I just tried to help him and the boys really went after the game.

“I am so stoked to get the win but we have one more to go. I can’t wait to get to Suncorp Stadium.”

The performance of Cobbo had his teammates in awe. Aside from his three tries he also made a crucial try-saving tackle on NSW winger Mark Nawaqanitawase and set up his left centre Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow for a try with a silky grubber.