2023 State of Origin: Magnificent Maroons

The Kick It Maroons have won their second consecutive mixed Origin title following an emphatic win on Sunday.

Boasting three new faces, the Queensland side was quick to gel and took the advantage early.

Early doubles to player of the match Corey Pocock and best and fairest Tony Martin capped off an electric start.

Blues' speedster Chloe Storm rebounded with the only two-point girl try to bring the scores close before a trademark Jesse Ripley step and kick helped the maroons rebound.

A 5-2 halftime score paved the way for an exciting second half.

It was a tough and gritty display by the Blues who lost three players in the lead up.

Blues' stalwart and captain Clancy Ticker led an experienced line up which included five new members on last year's series.

New South Wales maintained a positive outlook and plenty of guts.

The might of Queensland proved too great as they leaned on a speed advantage to run in nine second half tries to one.

Four second half tries to player of the match Corey Pocock set the stage.

Try doubles to Tony Martin and Will Smith ensured the Maroons skipped ahead with ease.

Some fantastic set up work the middles Jake Coolwell, Ripley, Eliza Mooney, Dean Saxvik equated for more than half of the team's record 10 try assists.

A late consolation try to Blues captain and middle-man Clancy Tickner saved face against a rampant Queensland outfit.

Queensland def New South Wales 14-3
Tries: Corey Pocock (6), Tony Martin (4), Will Smith (2), Jesse Ripley, Dean Saxvik
Assists: Jake Coolwell (2), Jesse Ripley,  Will Smith, Eliza Mooney, Dean Saxvik, Corey Pocock, Tony Martin,
Tries: Chloe Storm, Clancy Tickner

The first Kick It City Country Origin failed to disappoint with both mens sides performed extremely well with little preparation.

In a fast-paced end to end match, Country was first to capitalise through Jaidyn White who capitalised on a short kick by Jake Harding.

The kick seemed to be the best option against a stout City side as Anthony Hannna produced one to score from long range.

Featuring a number of ex-representative players, the City side began to connect.

Speedster Lachlan Mothers scooted down the sideline from a Ryan Abil short ball.

The pair would combine shortly after with Mothers' scooping up a grubber from Abil to score City's second try.

Key Country middle Michael Bacon dictated terms with some quick foot work and manipulating the defence.

It was this quick foot work which provided an opportunity to dive over from short range.

Country held a slim lead at halftime, and the scores remained unchanged in the second half.

Numerous close calls by Country's Dylan Thomson, Brett Coghill, Jake Harding and Zachari Connor failed to trouble the scoreboard.

City's Adriano Gaile and Lochie Beetson produced some chances however country's defence was able to hold.

Country def City 3-2
Tries: Jaidyn White, Anthony Hanna, Michael Bacon
Tries: Lachlan Mothers (2)

2023 State of Origin images
Origin team lists
Images thanks to Jimmy A Photography