Queensland accused of 'cowardly' act as Daly Cherry-Evans caught in 'poor' scenes after Origin loss

For all the talk of Queensland spirit and how the Maroons 'get' State of Origin more than NSW, they certainly didn't show it after Wednesday night's decider at Suncorp Stadium. NSW broke an extraordinary 19-year drought, winning Game 3 by a score of 14-4 to mark the first decider the Blues have won at Suncorp since 2005.

It was just the third time a NSW side has won a deciding Game 3 in Brisbane in Origin history, after the 1994 and 2005 teams. Suncorp was packed with screaming Maroons fans during the game, but they were nowhere to be seen during the post-match presentation.

It sparked ugly scenes for captain Daly Cherry-Evans as he was booed at his home ground when he made his way to the stage. The majority of Queensland fans didn't bother to stick around and show their support for their defeated team, leaving DCE to cop boos from the NSW fans who were left remaining.

TV viewers were quick to point out the staggering scenes of a Queensland captain being booed at Suncorp. Maroons fans were labelled 'cowards' for not sticking around until the very end, while others described the treatment as 'poor' and 'classless' from the Blues supporters who booed.

"Did the Suncorp crowd just boo DCE? Not a DCE fan but that’s poor form," one person wrote on social media. Another wrote: "DCE getting booed at Suncorp in a Maroon jersey. I thought Qlders got Origin, they all left with 10 to go."

While a third commented: "DCE getting loudly booed at Suncorp stadium. Never thought I’d hear it. QLD crowd should’ve stuck around to support their team. Cowards for bailing."

Billy Slater and Daly Cherry-Evans bemoan Origin refereeing

Speaking after the game, Cherry-Evans and Maroons coach Billy Slater both bemoaned the fact Queensland didn't get much love from referee Ashley Klein. Plenty had been written and said about the fact Queensland always win the penalty count at Suncorp Stadium, but NSW got more calls from Klein on Wednesday night.

"They will review their own game. I am sure they will look at that," Slater said of the match officials. "As I said, I think he was hit a little bit off the footy. It is State of Origin. I know what it is like and I understand what he is going through. It is just the way it is."

Slater also claimed Reece Walsh was hit off the ball by NSW players on numerous occasions, and Cherry-Evans said: "Billy can speak from experience. He has got a good view of what is going on at Origin level so if he is saying something is going on it is probably worth having a look at it.

"I have been through exactly what Reece has been through. You go through these periods where the opposition will try and come up with ways to stop you. Knowing the person he is, he has got the work ethic and the ability to overcome it. I have got so much belief in Reece Walsh. I feel like his series this year, as (his) second year in (Origin), is where you have to figure out different ways to beat an opposition."

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NSW's series win is their first since 2021 and came after they were thrashed in Game 1. "After six, seven minutes whatever it was, the game went sideways," Blues coach Michael Maguire said. "To see the players back up like that ... I've got a very special group. It's up there, if not one of the best defensive performances, to have Queensland not score."

with AAP