MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: Mitchell Moses proved his doubters wrong and Michael Maguire outplayed Billy Slater

Hey Queensland – how’s that for State of Origin spirit?!

I am so immensely proud of the Blues after their incredible 14-4 win at Suncorp Stadium in the Origin decider.

Against the odds they fought back to win the series and silenced the mob in maroon in one of the greatest Origin games I’ve ever seen.

The boys didn’t give a stuff about hoodoos or decider droughts.

They went out and gave it their all for the full 80 minutes and won a decider in Brisbane for the first time since 2005.

The most satisfying thing? How our Queensland friends suddenly aren’t as chirpy!

After the game I texted old Maroons Billy Moore and Gorden Tallis to remind them about a bet we had, which means they have to wear one of my beautiful NSW jerseys for a day.

They still haven’t responded.

I found it amusing through the week when I heard Queensland players say they were using one of my columns in The Nightly as motivation.

The one from after Origin II when I wrote the Maroons forwards “wouldn’t scare kids in a creche”.

Boy didn’t that get up their nose!

Firstly, I stand by my comments. The Queensland big men were feeble at the MCG and resembled turnstiles in defence.

Secondly, if you need one of my columns as motivation then things must be pretty desperate.

I grew up in the era of “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”.

I was surprised they took offence to what I wrote.

Anyway – back to the game and I reckon the NSWRL should be calling in coach Michael Maguire and offering him an immediate contract extension.

His deal finishes at the end of the 2025 series, but he’s exactly what this State needs long-term.

Madge took on Maroons golden boy Billy Slater – The Riddler - and came out on top.

I loved the footage of Maguire in the NSW coaches box where he rode every play like he had money on a runner at Royal Randwick.

He asked his players for the same level of passion and they delivered it in spades.

When that melee broke out late in the first half, the Blues literally cleared the benches to help out their mates.

Squad member Haumole Olakau’atu was dressed in a suit and came to the rescue!

Then there was Cameron Murray who was on the interchange bench.

Both those blokes are facing two to three-match suspensions.

I’ve heard some people say Murray should have been sent off, not just sin-binned, for getting involved from the bench.

I say give him a medal!

Murray was just sticking up for his mates and that’s what State of Origin is built on.

There were so many moments that had me jumping out of my seat.

Mitchell Moses’ brilliant cover tackle on a runaway Reece Walsh – and then his solo try to seal the win.

Zac Lomax landed an immense sideline penalty goal to level things up at 2-2. That was crucial.

Bradman Best powering past two Knights teammates in Dane Gagai and Kalyn Ponga to score the try to put us in front.

I could go on and on.

The only thing that nags at me is when I think back to Origin I in Sydney when Joseph Suaali’i was sent off after just seven minutes.

I reckon if it’s 13 on 13 in all three games then the Blues win in a cleansweep!

Anyway.

I’ll ask Billy and Gordie when – or if – they ever call me back.

MY ORIGIN III TOP FIVE

DYLAN EDWARDS (NSW)

A deserved player of the match. Ran for over 200 metres and justified Maguire’s decision to pick him over captain James Tedesco.

ISAAH YEO (NSW)

Coming off the bench might be his best spot after this performance. Made so many inroads with the ball – forgot about trying to be a ballplayer and it worked a treat.

MITCHELL MOSES (NSW)

Moses has copped so much crap for not being able to play when his team is on the backfoot. Well, with the series in the balance he got them over the line.

BRIAN TO’O (NSW)

This little keg on legs was so powerful with the ball and his defence was unbelievable. He was whacking them like a front rower.

PAT CARRIGAN (QLD)

Carrigan is good enough to be a Blue. He ran for 164 metres and punched out 58 tackles. Sure, he wears Maroon, but he’s one of my favourite players.