SYDNEY: A late Cooper Cronk field goal has helped Queensland answer a brave NSW challenge and win the 2012 State Of Origin series 21-20 in a thrilling third and deciding game.
Thirteen minutes into the game and it was all NSW at that stage. They got off to a well start and led 8-0 in the first half.
Minutes later NSW loses the ball to QLD by a penalty by Blue prop Tim Grant for staying too long in the tackle which gave a chance to the Marrons to score a try. The try was sneaked in by Maroons winger Darius Boyd in the corner.
QLD claw their way back within the 15-30 minute mark causing the momentum to change form NSW to QLD.
In 5 minutes before halftime Maroons centre Justin Hodges scores a controversial try. He ran behind one of his own players (Ben Hannett) but was judged not ruled a shepherd by the ref. Even QLD supporters admit it should not have been a try. Halftime score was 16-8 in favour or QLD.
The NSW then fought back in the second half levelling the score at 20-all.
However, in the 75th minute, Cooper Cronk won the game for the Marrons with a field goal that gave QLD the lead and final score for the 2012 Origin Decider 21-20.
Jonathon Thurston won man of the match and Nate Myles was adjudged the player of the series.
