‘The best Origin I’ve ever witnessed’: A clash of fists and nail-biting plays reminiscent of the 80s

The State of Origin 2022 finale game has cemented its place in history, in an edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting game, leaving Queenslanders in a frenzy as Ben Hunt scored the winning try that saw the shield head north of the border once again.

The heated battle between the states left injured players in its wake, with brutal tackles leaving players from both sides concussed all in the first 5 minutes of the game and a clash of fists ending with a player from each side in the sin bin.

Gagai and Burton binned! ???? #Origin pic.twitter.com/o0VhmgTKYH

— Tyson Whelan (@tyson_whelan) July 13, 2022

Rugby league great, Andrew Johns, said he hadn’t seen a game like it since the 80s.

“Not for a long time, not like this,” Johns said.

“With tackling techniques that have changed over the years, they don’t like to drive in so much with their shoulders, it is all about control.

“This is…this is a throwback to the ‘80s. That’s three off.”

Despite a gallant fight from the Blues, Hunt secured the game for the Maroons in the final minute after intercepting a kick from Blue’s player Nathan Cleary, taking off from behind his 30-metre mark and making the long-range run to dive over the try line, settling the score at 22-12.

“What a moment in Origin history!” Cameron Smith commented.

“Ben Hunt has raced away! And he might have raced away with the shield as well. What a player.”

Ben Hunt has just cemented himself in Origin history. In Game III, in a decider, at Suncorp.

It doesn’t get more poetic than that.

????️ The Decider | Exclusive, Live and Free on Channel 9 and 9Now.#Origin #NRL pic.twitter.com/9znY5h0uP9

— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) July 13, 2022

As QLD celebrated the win, Johns wrapped up with: “Now we have to listen to all the bullshit youse go on with for the next 12 months. Drives you mad.”

Here’s some of the “bullshit” to which Johns refers, as QLD supporters share their excitement on social media.

Probably the best game of Origin I’ve seen in a long long time ???????????? bloody hell I’m having heart palpitations ???? and Ben Hunt pretty much redeemed himself for the dropped ball in the 2015 grand final for me ???????????????????? anyway I’m off to sleep happy tonight #Queenslander

— Pana Wia (@anaminaiamin) July 13, 2022

Absolute scenes from the Maroons Radio call as Ben Hunt crossed over for the sealer!#Origin #Queenslander pic.twitter.com/7HAOAhSTOA

— SENQ 693 (@SENQLD) July 13, 2022

This is one of the best #StateofOrigin games ever. Just wow. #Queenslander

— Paul Syvret (@PSyvret) July 13, 2022

QLDER!!!!!!! Time to light the Sydney Harbour Bridge MAROON ???? #Origin

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) July 13, 2022

#Queenslander W!!!!!! I’m so proud of the boys for getting it done to win the State of Origin. Maroons for life! pic.twitter.com/0CXauiz9FP

— Brent Pearson (@b_pearson) July 13, 2022

Even Blues supporters had to admit it was “the best Origin” they’ve seen.

I say this with a heavy heart & a little tear in my eye… but that was the best #Origin I’ve witnessed!! #StateofOrigin2022

— Ashton Sims (@ashtonsims26) July 13, 2022

That was probably one of the most exciting #Origin matches I’ve watched in recent memory (even though #NSWblues lost)#Queenslander were deserved winners. Well done ???? ????

— Steamed Ham (@Steamed_Ham) July 13, 2022

You can watch all the highlights from the State of Origin 2022 finale below.