Brilliant Captain’s Challenge from NSW Paves the Way for First Try as Joey Celebrates Jarome Luai’s ‘Mindset’

NSW skipper Isaah Yeo demonstrated his astute thinking early on in Origin II with a timely captain’s challenge that paid off handsomely.

In the seventh minute, Nathan Cleary found himself penalised for a strip on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, just 20 metres from Queensland’s try line.

The Blues swiftly opted to challenge the decision and were vindicated, with the Bunker confirming that Fa’asuamaleaui had knocked the ball on.

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“Queensland are looking a bit shaky,” noted Andrew Johns on Nine.

Following this, the Blues launched their offensive with Jarome Luai orchestrating the first try.

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After previously kicking the ball out on the full, the five-eighth put in a grubber on the third tackle.

No Queensland player was able to gather it, allowing Angus Crichton to kick the ball ahead, with Brian To’o swooping in to score the opening try.

“That’s just the mentality of Jarome Luai – he seizes the moment,” Johns added.

Coach Brad Fittler was quick to criticise the defensive play of new halfback Tom Dearden.

“Tommy Dearden was caught flat-footed there. In these slippery conditions, it’s crucial to apply pressure on the ball handler, but he allowed him too much time,” he remarked.