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New South Wales hold two point lead over Queensland after stunning first half at Optus Stadium

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Jackson BarrettThe West Australian
New South Wales salute Matt Burton’s maiden Origin try.
Camera IconNew South Wales salute Matt Burton’s maiden Origin try. Credit: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Perth’s State of Origin game has exploded to life late in the first half, with Queensland’s game one hero Cameron Munster producing the highlight, despite his side trailing.

Munster launched a dashing break to cross and put his team in front after 30 minutes.

It was one of a flurry of tries which started when Felise Kaufusi put Queensland in front, breaking one tackle and riding another in a desperate lunge to to the line.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 26:  Cameron Munster of the Maroons celebrates scoring a try during game two of the State of Origin series between New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons at Optus Stadium, on June 26, 2022, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Camera IconCameron Munster plays up to the Optus Stadium crowd as he dashes towards the line. Credit: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

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At the other end, it was an Origin debutant and a seasoned gun pulling New South Wales back into the game and giving them a 14-12 lead at the break.

Matt Burton was on the end of a smart Nathan Cleary kicked and briefly put the Blues in front 26 minutes in.

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Burton took the kick receive from his former Penrith teammate and escaped the clutches of a tackle to score.

Cleary converted that try, which came after a nailed a penalty to score the first points of the night. The Panthers skipper’s field kicking was a highlight of the first half for the Blues.

The lead changed four times in the first-half, including after the whistle, when Cleary converted Brian To’s try and took his own tally to six points.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 26:  Tino Fa’asuamaleaui of the Maroons is tackled during game two of the State of Origin series between New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons at Optus Stadium, on June 26, 2022, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Camera IconTino Fa’asuamaleaui feels the full brunt of Jarome Luai. Credit: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

New South Wales dominated the physical opening exchanges and Queensland’s best early scoring opportunity was squandered by an in-goal knock on from Selwyn Cobbo.

Payne Haas and Isaah Yeo found ways to break the line for New South Wales, but breaching the defence was a harder task for Queensland as the Blues dominated the physical opening exchanges

When they did find a way forward, a rare push past their 20-yard line was squandered by a Selwyn Cobbo in-goal knock on.

The Optus Stadium turf, which was transformed in just hours after West Coast’s AFL win on Friday night, troubled Blues captain James Tedesco, who lost his footing and halted momentum on a number of occasions.

Blues forward Cameron Murray was taken off for a head injury assessment but was cleared to return, while first try-scorer Kaufusi finished the half in the sin bin after a high tackle in the dying stages.

Earlier, fans flocked across the Matagarup Bridge and through the stadium surrounds to pack the ground.

They were treated to Aussie rock legends Grinspoon before the game and a stunning Optus Stadium lighting display.

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