Nathan Cleary grabbed the headlines, but it was the NSW forward pack that laid the foundation for the Blues' series-clinching State of Origin victory over Queensland at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night — a historic fourth win for New South Wales in a Brisbane decider.
While Cleary will rightly be celebrated for the performance that delivered him the Origin greatness that had long eluded him, coach Laurie Daley's big men deserve enormous credit for turning the tide after struggling to match their Queensland counterparts for much of the series.
Haas sets the tone with dominant first half
Few players were more influential on the night than Payne Haas, widely regarded as the best front-rower in the game. Deployed at times wider on the field rather than through the middle, Haas was a wrecking ball from the opening exchanges, steamrolling Queensland talisman Cameron Munster and racking up more than 50 post-contact metres along with a handful of tackle breaks.
His physicality and work rate gave the Blues an early foothold they refused to surrender, and his performance underscored just how critical his presence was to the NSW upset in enemy territory.
Martin makes up for lost time in crucial return
If Haas set the tone, Liam Martin was arguably the most complete forward on the field across the full 80 minutes. The Penrith back-rower had missed the first two games of the series through a knee injury, and he was clearly determined to make his mark on return.
The 29-year-old repeatedly targeted Munster throughout the contest, bringing his trademark physicality and niggle to rattle the Queensland captain. His most telling contribution came in the build-up to Cleary's second try, when he ran hard at Munster before releasing Stephen Crichton in a sequence that showcased his instincts as much as his aggression.
Daley's selection calls had been under scrutiny throughout the series, but Martin's recall for the decider was fully vindicated.
Robson, Young and Yeo provide rock-solid foundations
Hooker Reece Robson looked a transformed player from the one who had drawn questions over his place in the side heading into game three. After offering little in attack in Sydney and Melbourne, the Roosters rake was sharp out of dummy half in Brisbane, providing clean service to Cleary and halves partner Mitchell Moses while also contributing solidly in defence.
Hudson Young completed every minute of the series, his tireless and workmanlike effort a constant throughout, while captain Isaah Yeo was his reliable self for the full duration of the decider.
Bench players make their mark when called upon
Daley had faced heavy criticism for his interchange management after the Blues' collapse at the MCG in game two. Wednesday night's bench use was complicated further when James Tedesco was forced from the field with a concussion — a blow that prevented Haumole Olakau'atu from taking the field — but those who did get on made their presence felt.
Cameron Murray, whom many felt should have been a starter throughout the series, was among the most impactful. He capitalised on an opportunistic steal by Cleary from Selwyn Cobbo to crash over for NSW's third try at the half-hour mark.
Addin Fonua-Blake, who barely registered in his brief appearance in game two, was another to impress, bumping off defenders and finding offload options in a noticeably stronger outing.
And fittingly, it was interchange hooker Blayke Brailey who helped seal the win in the final seconds, providing the pass that sent Hudson Young over as the siren sounded — a moment that encapsulated exactly how much the Blues' forward depth contributed to one of the most memorable Origin series victories in recent memory.
