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NSW players lash out at Queensland forward over ugly Origin act

Queenslanders Dane Gagai (pictured right) and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (pictured left) fight with Matt Burton (pictured middle) during State of Origin.
Queenslanders Dane Gagai (pictured right) and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (pictured left) scuffle with NSW centre Matt Burton (pictured middle) during State of Origin. (Image: Channel Nine)

NSW wingers Daniel Tupou and Brian To'o have hit out at Dane Gagai and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui for teaming up on youngster Matt Burton during a fiery State of Origin decider.

Queensland defeated NSW 22-10 in a thrilling and gruelling Game III decider, which saw a number of players ruled out via concussion and two players sent to the bin.

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The Blues were left to feel the pain of a number of costly errors in the second-half, which Stephen Crichton claimed 'killed us'.

However, Queensland debutant Tom Dearden took a pot shot at NSW after the win and claimed the Maroons were looking to fight fire with fire after Game II.

“We though that NSW had bullied us and did a couple of dog shots in that Game II and we didn’t want to let that happen,” the No.6 told Channel 9.

However, this wasn't the view from the NSW players.

Both Gagai and Burton were binned in the second half after the Queensland veteran took exception to the youngster's collision with Kayln Ponga.

Gagai confronted Burton, before unleashing a barrage of punches.

Burton retaliated after having his cheekbone bruised.

Fa’asuamaleaui then ran in to help his Maroons teammate and placed Burton in a headlock before a scuffle ensued.

The referee sent the pair to the bin for throwing punches, but Fa’asuamaleaui remained on the field.

The Gold Coast Titans captain's actions didn't sit well with the Blues.

Brad Fittler claimed post-match that Burton should have remained on the field having only defended himself from being punched.

And winger Tupou said it was a 'bad look' from Queensland to team up on the youngster.

“It all happened so fast,” Tupou told Channel 9.

“(But) it’s obviously a s*** go to see your teammate held like that. It was two on one and anyone would say that wasn’t a fair go. But in their backyard, they’re going to get that energy and hype.

"It was a bad look. But what do you do? Stand up for him and continue the game.”

To'o agreed with Tupou and said he didn't like seeing Burton 'outnumbered' at Suncorp.

Blues coach Brad Fittler (pictured middle) looks on after game three of the State of Origin Series.
Blues coach Brad Fittler (pictured middle) looks on after game three of the State of Origin Series. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) (Chris Hyde via Getty Images)

Brad Fittler defends Matt Burton after Origin

Immediately after the game, Fittler weighed-in on the drama that unfolded.

The NSW great claimed Burton shouldn't have been marched for defending himself.

"He didn't initiate it, he's not going to fight anyone," Fittler said in his post-match press conference.

"He got belted, got the penalty, got in a headlock and we walk out with one player down each. Tad ridiculous, but it is what it is."

NSW captain James Tedesco suggested Fa’asuamaleaui should have also been sent to the bin.

“Yeah I thought so,” he said.

“I don’t know if he actually threw a punch, but I thought if he did he should have been sin-binned as well."

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