New South Wales have won back-to-back under-18 Origin games after a thrilling 35-28 win over Queensland on Wednesday night.
The Blues trailed by six early before taking a 10-6 lead halfway through the first half, thanks to tries Luke Metcalf and Sebastian Kris.
It would be the Maroons’ who would take the half time lead though, with tries to Ronaldo Mulitalo and Murray Taulagi putting them in front 16-10.
After the break though it was all New South Wales, as they ran in three quick tries, which included Metcalf completing his hat trick, to take a commanding 28-16 lead.
Queensland would once again fight back, their two starting props Logan Bayliss-Brow and Eddie Blacker scoring close the posts, with Travis Turnbull converting both tries to tie the game.
With three minutes remaining, Blues’ centre Zac Lomax then kicked a field goal to give his side a one-point lead.
In the dying stages, an offload by Blues’ captain Payne Haas sent Sebastian Kris over to give New South Wales a seven point lead and the under-18 Origin shield.
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New South Wales 35 (Luke Metcalf 3, Sebastian Kris 2, Ethan Parry tries; Zac Lomax 5 goals, 1 field goal) def. Queensland 28 (Logan Bayliss-Brow, Eddie Blacker, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Treymain Spry, Murray Taulagi tries; Travis Turnbull 4 goals) at ANZ Stadium.
Man of the Match: Luke Metcalf (New South Wales)
18TH MAN 