The Queensland Maroons have held on for a tight 6‑4 win over New South Wales in State of Origin I after the Blues were denied a try late in the second half at Sydney's Olympic stadium.
Josh Morris had been awarded a try in the 66th minute by on‑field referee Gerard Sutton, but the decision was overturned after the NRL bunker judged the Blues centre had been held out by the Maroons defence.
It was hardly a popular decision with the crowd of over 80,000, but the Maroons were able to stay in front and claim the series opener with each side only posting one try, while the second half was a scoreless affair.
The Morris decision left the Blues seething, with hooker Robbie Farah venting his frustration with the refereeing performance.
Dane Gagai scored the Maroons' try late in the first half, while Boyd Cordner had opened the scoring for the Blues in the 25th minute and attention will now turn to State of Origin II, which will be played at Brisbane's Lang Park on the 22nd of this month.
Source : nrl
