‘This one’s for you’: Tedesco dedicates series win to Sydneysiders in lockdown
Blues captain James Tedesco and Wally Lewis medallist Tom Trbojevic dedicated this year’s Origin series victory to NSW residents in lockdown.
The Blues stars were also quick to pay tribute to the Queensland government after game three was moved from Newcastle to the Gold Coast at the 11th hour.
Trbojevic won the man of the series medal after a stunning campaign, but said the loss in game three was a sour note to end on.
“To our boys, it’s been a disappointing one tonight, but it’s been an absolute pleasure doing it with you all,” he said.
Tedesco paid homage to those back home in lockdown as a potential grand final in Queeensland looms.
“Everyone back home, all our family, friends, everyone in locked-down Sydney, everyone at home in NSW that couldn’t come to our games, thank you. This one’s for you,” he said.
James Tedesco with the Origin trophy on Wednesday night.Credit:Getty
The Maroons were quick to attribute the return of Kalyn Ponga as a key factor in their two-point win on the Gold Coast, which denied the Blues a clean sweep.
Ponga sat out last year’s series altogether due to a shoulder injury. A groin complaint sidelined the Knights star from the first two games of this year’s series.
His return was impressive with teammates quick to praise him.
“[Ponga] is an exceptional talent and started our sets really well. He added a lot around the middle and really directs our forward, it’s really good,” Ben Hunt said.
Maroons star Cameron Munster also sung Ponga’s praises.
“He’s a massive boost for us, obviously has X-factor,” he said.
“All the time when he gets the ball in his hands, no one knows what he will do with the ball. He had a great game for us.”
It was a much-needed win for the Maroons, who hit a new low in terms of support from their fans at the start of the match.
The boos began while the side ran out for the warm-up and continued as the team list was announced over the stadium speakers.
Wednesday’s game was the first time the Gold Coast has hosted an Origin match, as well as the first time all three games have been played in Queensland.
There was also some last-minute drama at the stadium, with hundreds of fans still outside when the game started. Fans vented their frustration on social media as spectators lined up around the ground attempting to gain entry.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
Most Viewed in Sport
From our partners
Source: Read Full Article