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'What's going on': State of Origin rocked by 'ugly' scenes before kick-off

C-Bus Stadium (pictured left) and queues forming ahead of State of Origin Game 3 (pictured right).
C-Bus Stadium (pictured left) ahead of State of Origin Game 3 had empty seats before kick-off after huge queues formed outside (pictured right). (Images: Getty Images/@bhockings)

The third State of Origin match took place at C-Bus stadium in a historic moment for the Gold Coast, but 'ugly' scenes outside prompted many viewers to question why there were so many empty seats at kick-off.

The Blues were looking to pull off their first series sweep in 21 years on Wednesday night, with Covid-19 offering them the rare opportunity to win all three games on Queensland soil.

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The match was moved from NSW to the Gold Coast on short notice due to the state's Covid-19 restrictions causing chaos.

However, with fans flocking to take part in an Origin spectacle on the Gold Coast, enormous queues formed.

Supporters were left waiting to file into C-Bus stadium only minutes before the match.

The scenes, which were described as 'ugly' due to the lack of social-distancing, were filmed as kick-off was taking place.

Some claimed the scanners were not working properly for mobile tickets, which caused a bottle neck.

Fans also took to social media to blast all the empty seats before kick-off.

Fortunately, fans were able to file into the stadium and pack it out only minutes after kick-off.

Blues fall short of 21-year State of Origin history

Despite the chaos outside the stadium, the two teams put on a thrilling match with the Maroons winning a fiery 20-18 battle against NSW, despite the Blues winning the series 2-1.

The match came down to the final minutes as NSW received a penalty just beyond the halfway line in the 77th minute with the score in the Maroons favour at 20-18.

Mitchell kicked for goal to level the score, but the attempt fell agonisingly short and the Maroons claimed the final match of the series.

with AAP

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