Pacific power drives Blues to Origin glory

Pacific stars Stephen Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase have helped the New South Wales Blues reclaim the State of Origin shield, silencing a hostile Brisbane crowd with a 30-12 victory over the Queensland Maroons at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.

The victory came on the same day Australia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Sāmoa and Fiji launched a new A$250 million (NZ$303.64 million) Pacific Rugby League Partnership aimed at growing the game across the region - from grassroots clubs and schools through to elite competitions.

With Pacific leaders Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, Sāmoa Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt and Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua watching from Suncorp Stadium, the announcement highlighted rugby league’s wider role across the Pacific.

The deal creates pathways for young players, coaches and officials while strengthening the connection between communities and the game they call their own.

While halfback Nathan Cleary stole the headlines with two tries, the victory was also built on the impact of the Blues' Pacific powerhouses.

For Crichton, the match was another reminder of why he is regarded as one of the biggest-game players in rugby league.

Pacific leaders Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Sāmoa Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt join Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for the State of Origin decider. Photo/Supplied

The proud Sāmoan international helped set up the Blues’ early dominance with his powerful running and defensive pressure causing problems for the Maroons throughout the night.

With New South Wales leading 12-0 in the first half, Crichton broke through Queensland defence before linking with Fijian flyer Nawaqanitawase, who delivered a brilliant inside pass to put Cleary over for his second try.

The moment helped the Blues build an 18-0 lead before half-time and put them in control.

The NSW Blues celebrate with the State of Origin shield after defeating Queensland 30-12 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane to reclaim the series. Photo/AAP/Darren England/Photosport

Nawaqanitawase, who switched from rugby union to rugby league, produced one of the biggest plays of the match in the second half.

With Queensland searching for a comeback, the Fijian winger used his aerial ability to challenge for a Cleary kick in the corner.

The contest forced the ball loose, allowing Bradman Best to pick it up and race almost the length of the field to score.

The play was checked by the bunker before being cleared, leaving the Maroons with a mountain to climb at 24-8.

Despite losing fullback James Tedesco and debutant Jack Bostock to head injuries during the match, the Blues’ defence held strong under pressure.

Queensland managed a late try through Tongan winger Jojo Fifita but errors and missed opportunities ended the hosts' hopes of a comeback.

Blues' forward Payne Haas, of Sāmoan, Filipino and Swiss heritage, is tackled by Maroons player Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, of Sāmoan, English and Danish heritage, during Game 3 of State of Origin. Photo/AAP/Dave Hunt/Photosport

Cleary later sealed the win with a long-range penalty goal and confirm New South Wales’ first series victory since 2021.

The decider was another showcase of the growing influence of Pacific talent at the highest level of rugby league.

Crichton continues to represent Sāmoa on the international stage, while Nawaqanitawase’s rise from Fijian rugby union to the NRL reflects the growing pathways opening for Pacific athletes.

As Pacific nations invest further in the game through the new Rugby League Partnership, the next generation of players will have more opportunities to follow in their footsteps.

For more State of Origin action, click here.

TEAMS

Queensland Maroons: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Robert Toia 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Cameron Munster (c) 7. Sam Walker 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Briton Nikora 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Reuben Cotter Interchange: 14. Max Plath 15. Patrick Carrigan 16. Jeremiah Nanai 17. Trent Loiero 18. Reece Walsh 19. Murray Taulagi Reserve: 20. Corey Horsburgh.

New South Wales Blues: 1. James Tedesco 2. Jack Bostock 3. Bradman Best 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Payne Haas 9. Reece Robson 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Hudson Young 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo (c) Interchange: 14. Cameron Murray 15. Addin Fonua-Blake 16. Haumole Olakau’atu 17: Blayke Brailey 18. Ethan Strange 19. Tolutau Koula Reserve: 20. Victor Radley.