Four former Mackay rugby league players took the game’s biggest stage last week, helping the Maroons to a State of Origin game one win in Sydney.
The Maroons defeated the Blues 16-10 and Daly Cherry-Evans, Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai and Reuben Cotter were instrumental in the strong display.
Former Cutter Tom Dearden was also called into camp but was omitted from the final 17.
Reuben Cotter was among four players debuting for the Maroons and the Sarina Crocs junior led the Maroons’ tackle count with 51 tackles in a huge 80-minute performance.
Origin veterans Dale Cherry-Evans and Dane Gagai both scored pivotal tries and Kalyn Ponga finished the game with a line break and a try assist.
The Blues enjoyed early field possession resulting in a 4-0 lead thanks to Jack Wighton, but the momentum swung the Maroons’ way with the injection of Patrick Carrigan debuting off the bench.
The Maroons were next to hit back in the 34th minute with Gagai the beneficiary of a miraculous kick from debutant Selwyn Cobbo.
With a halftime lead of 6-4 and the wind in their sails, the Maroons started the second half just as strong thanks to some electric play from Cameron Munster.
The Maroons were the next to score in the 48th with Cherry-Evans stepping off his right foot off a centre-field scrum to cross the line untouched.
Things were looking all but done in the 53rd minute when some nimble footwork and terrific ball play from Ponga put Valentine Holmes over in the corner.
Cameron Murray got the Blues back in the game in the 71st minute but they were unable to equalise, the staunch defence of the Maroons holding string until the very last play.
Man of the Match went to Rockhampton junior Cameron Munster after what has been described as a “masterclass”.
The focus now turns to game two in Perth on Sunday, June 26 with teams to be announced over the weekend.
Daly Cherry-Evans
Kalyn Ponga
Dane Gagai scored the first try of the game
Reuben
