New South Wales ran the ball on the final tackle for the first time in the match and surprised Queensland. The sequence ended with a high kick that Ponga handled well. The Blues then delivered several strong tackles, including one that stopped Fifita, keeping the visitors in their territory. Queensland continued attacking ahead of half-time. A long pass drifted forward, allowing New South Wales to pack a scrum and give Cleary a chance at a field goal. The setup worked but the kick lacked distance, and both teams went to the break. Capewell left the field after an injury. Queensland attacked down the left through Ponga and Cobbo. Walker kicked high but Tedesco secured the ball again. The Blues advanced to halfway with Olakau’atu prominent. Queensland lost possession due to handling errors. Munster failed to find Ponga, allowing New South Wales to gain field position. A six-again call helped them advance, but Robson’s kick hit the post. A scramble followed between Capewell and Murray. The referee ruled no try and awarded Queensland a penalty. Ponga marked a high ball impressively. Queensland recovered from another handling mistake. Walker kicked long to turn Tedesco around. Grant ran from dummy-half to reach halfway. Tabuai-Fidow recovered a loose ball to Ponga. The kick went high to Tedesco, who marked and returned it before Walker tackled him. Queensland gained sixty metres. Munster and Ponga were active while Plath worked steadily. Walker kicked high but Tedesco caught it. The Blues played conservatively from defence, relying on Cleary for territory. New South Wales handled the restart well. With better field position, Cleary delivered a grubber kick that Young grounded for a try. Cleary converted the goal. Crichton and Strange ran strongly as New South Wales crossed halfway. Cobbo marked a kick but a penalty gave the Blues another chance. Toia covered much ground while Ponga directed play. Strange made a heavy tackle on Munster. New South Wales struggled early. Carrigan entered from the bench and helped Queensland advance. Cotter and Plath stayed involved but Grant’s kick was poor. To’o made another error, giving Queensland the ball forty metres out. Walker kicked a goal from thirty metres. Queensland secured the restart and Munster kicked low to the corner. New South Wales made another error from defence, and an offside penalty allowed Walker another shot at goal.
