Maroons humiliated: NSW clinch Origin series by smashing Queensland in historic 26-0 drubbing - as confusing rules see 52,000 fans told to wear masks but only when standing
New South Wales held Queensland to nil points in front of its home crowd for the first time in State of Origin history as they beat the outclassed Maroons 26-0 in Game Two on Sunday night to seal the series in emphatic fashion.
After some doubts about whether the fans would be able to attend due to a new Covid-19 outbreak, most of the 52,000 fans at Suncorp Stadium were left wishing they had been banned as they watched their team get steamrolled by NSW for the second game running.
After a humiliating 50-6 loss in Game 1, Queensland would need a remarkable turnaround to prevent being on the wrong end of a series whitewash since 2000, amid debate about whether it was the worst team ever to represent the Maroons.
It only took 12 minutes for the Cockroaches to cross the line with winger Josh Addo-Carr crashing over in the corner.
Moment's later in the 26th minute centre Latrell Mitchell took a length-of-the-field intercept and ran away with a four-pointer.
Star centre Tom Trbojevic then crossed the strip in the 32nd minute before Addo-Carr scored for his second try in the 70th minute.
While it was a tough night for the Maroons, it was utterly embarrassing for one Queensland fan who was captured by eagle-eyed Twitter users tumbling down a set of stairs after a Blues try.
Pictured: Latrell Mitchell of the Blues celebrates after scoring a try during game two of the 2021 State of Origin series
Nathan Cleary of the Blues offloads the ball during game two of the 2021 State of Origin series
Tom Trbojevic of the Blues dives over to score a try towards the end of the first half
Tonight's match went ahead despite growing Covid concerns, as the nation deals with rising case numbers.
In a bizarre health order issued to footy fans, masks were made mandatory when entering and leaving the ground, but are not compulsory while seated.
Meanwhile Sydneysiders, along with those from the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong, were forced to cheer on the Blues from their couches after being ordered into a 14-day lockdown at midnight on Saturday.
In a bizarre health order issued to footy fans, masks were made mandatory when entering and leaving the ground, but are not compulsory while seated
Most fans chose not to wear face masks during the heated State of Origin clash
Queensland supporters cheers on the Maroons as they run out for tonight's clash
Ben Hunt and Cameron Munster appear dejected after losing the State of Origin Series
Star second-rower David Fifita and Cameron Munster of the Maroons react to defeat
On the northern side of the border, an unrelated cluster believed to be linked to a breach in hotel quarantine has now grown to three locally-acquired cases.
But the match went ahead as planned, with about 52,000 fans ordered to wear face masks.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk took to Twitter urging fans to take all the necessary precautions.
'Masks must be worn on arrival to Suncorp Stadium and especially on exit,' she wrote.
'The only time you don't need a mask is when you are seated.
'Masks will be available on arrival.
'Please check in using the Check In Qld app.
'And if you are sick - stay home.'
Pictured: Josh Addo-Carr of the Blues celebrates with team mate Cameron Murray of the Blues after scoring a try
Pictured: Josh Addo-Carr of the Blues dives over to score a try during game two of the 2021 State of Origin series
NSW fullback James Tedesco who was named man of the match is pictured fending off Queensland's David Fifita
In the lead up to the match much of the talk centered around rookie sensation Reece Walsh who was selected after just seven NRL games.
Many rugby league commentators said picking the 18-year-old was a move of desperation that would place unfair pressure on the inexperienced young talent.
But the fullback was ruled out at the eleventh hour with a hamstring injury.
There was more drama when Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo was called up as his replacement.
Mate verse Mate: A NSW supporter sits next to Queensland fan at Suncorp Stadium
Tens of thousands of Queenslanders are piling into Brisbane 's Suncorp Stadium, for the second match in the 2021 State of Origin Series
New South Wales won the first match in Townsville by a record margin of 50-6 - and now the Maroons are seeking revenge. Pictured: A Queensland fan carries a young NSW Blue supporter
A last-minute protest by NSW Rugby League uncovered the New Zealand born speedster is not actually eligible to play for Queensland, despite representing the state at junior levels.
The NRL ruled he didn't arrive in Queensland until he was 14, after the cut-off point of 13.
'It's a massive breakdown in the process. And I don't think that's finished yet. All the information that is available to us, he was eligible to play,' Queensland coach Paul Green said.
The embarrassing blunder meant the Maroons would go into the match with the exact same backline that was trounced by the Blues in game one.
NSW also went into the match with few changes. The only injury casualty from the first game was front-row forward Jake Trbojevic who was replaced by Roosters hardman Angus Crichton.
Tonight's match will go ahead at 8pm as much of nation deals with a growing Covid crisis. Pictured: Fans outside Suncorp stadium
A passionate Maroons fan is pictured alongside the statue of Queensland great Wally Lewis
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk took to Twitter urging fans to take all the necessary precautions. Pictured: Some State of Origin fans are seen wearing masks and some are not