Maroons snare return clash
by Dan Koch
Wednesday June 16, 2004

 

Melbourne flyer Billy Slater has scored one of State of Origin’s greatest individual tries to help the Maroons to a sensational 22-18 victory, levelling the interstate series at 1-1.

Trailing 12-6 at the break, Queensland turned in an amazing second half performance, with big forwards Petero Civoniceva, Ben Ross, Shane Webcke and Steven Price powering in the middle of the ruck allowing five-eighth Darren Lockyer to release speed merchants Slater, Rhys Wesser and Willie Tonga on a tiring NSW defence.

The Blues started strongly with Newcastle duo Matt Gidley and Timana Tahu combining for the athletic winger to score after only six minutes.

Against the run of play Queensland managed to level the scores, with Slater latching onto an inside ball from Wesser and slicing through the Blues defence to score under the posts.

The try did little to halt the Blues momentum, however, with Queensland forced to repel wave after wave of NSW attack orchestrated perfectly by rookie halfback Brett Finch and returning pivot Brad Fittler.

The pressure finally told on the home side as a beautiful flick pass from Gidley to Tahu sent the Knights winger on a clear run to the line – giving Phil Gould’s men a mountain of confidence as the half-time siren sounded.

After the break, however, it was all Queensland and the 52 478 fans crammed into Suncorp Stadium rode the Maroons all the way home.

A 44th minute try to Tonga after Tahu spilt a Lockyer bomb put the home side on the attack, but the Blues defence was holding firm.

That was until Slater chimed in with one of the more remarkable efforts in the game’s history.

The 20-year-old pounced on a Lockyer grubber on the halfway line, regathering at full pace before chipping over fullback Anthony Minichiello again gathering the crumbs to score beside the posts.

When video referee Graeme West gave the green light the Maroons were in front and the roar of the crowd could be heard for miles around.

"It was just a spur of the moment thing," Slater said when asked about his try after the match.

"You've got Lockyer in the side and he puts the ball where you want it and you do your best to finish it off.”

Dane Carlaw grabbed a four-pointer in the 68th minute when the Blues were unable to claim another Lockyer bomb, giving Queensland a 20-12 lead.

A sensational long-range effort by impressive Penrith youngster Luke Rooney gave the visitors some hope of a last gasp comeback, however, unflappable young rake Cameron Smit sealed the result for Michael Hagan with a penalty goal in the 78th minute.

Broncos stars Lockyer, Civinoceva and Webcke were inspirational for Queensland, with lock forward Tonie Carroll devastating in defence and young prop Corey Parker contributing solidly off the bench.

Slater starred, but was well supported by Tonga, Wesser and Scott Prince in attack, while Cowboys centre Paul Bowman sharked the left side of the field in defence like a man possessed.

After the game, though, all the talk centred around “that try”.

“He’s an incredible talent,” said Lockyer.

“He’ll be around for a lot of years to come.  What he can do with the ball in his hands is just amazing.”  

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