State of Origin Game 1: Ponga sent off in ‘outrageous’ drama, NSW pull off great escape

Drama erupted during the State of Origin series opener as Kalyn Ponga was sent off in a controversy that helped NSW make a miracle comeback.

Queesland got off to a flyer, scoring three tries to lead 20-0 after 20 minutes — and it looked like the Maroons would win the series opener in enemy territory.

But the Blues hung in there and the game turned on its head when Kalyn Ponga was ensationally sent off in the second half for a shoulder charge NSW winger Tolu Koula.

It appeared to be a head clash deserving of a sin bin, but referee Ashley Klein was adamant Ponga deserved to be sent off and he gave the Queensland fullback his marching orders in a stunning call.

Watch the Kalyn Ponga send off call in the video above

The send-off completely shifted the momentum of the game in NSW”s favour and despite the Blues blowing several tries, James Tedesco was the hero — juggling a high ball over the line to score the matchwinning try with just seconds remaining.

Sam Walker made a heroic start to his debut, setting up Queensland’s first try with a trademark grubber kick but Cleary masterminded the comeback, and Ethan Strange was oustanding on debut for NSW.

NSW had lost the past four series openers in Sydney but the Blues now take a 1-0 lead into Game 2 in Melbourne as they look to win back the Origin shield.

Follow below for live updates.

56′: Kalyn Ponga sent off

Game 1 has been turned on its head as Kalyn Ponga has been given his marching orders after shoulder charging Tolu Koula.

The debutant NSW winger made a break down the left-hand side and was floored by Ponga, which resulted in an all-in brawl.

Koula is taken off for a HIA as referee Ashley Klein calls out the Queensland fullback, who is given his marching orders.

Ponga is the seventh player in Origin history to be sent off.

Qld legend slams Ponga send-off

Predictably, the Kalyn Ponga send-off has not gone down well with Queenslanders.

There’s no doubt the decision in the 57th minute was the turning point of the game and shifted the momentum in NSW’s favour as Queensland had to defend a man down.

“I’m still in shock over that Ponga decision, that’s the turning point, there will be a lot of people north of the border that struggle with that decision,” Darren Lockyer said on Channel 9.

Queensland coach Billy Slater and his assistant Johnathan Thurston looked in a state of shock in the Maroons dressing rooms.

Nathan Cleary best on ground

Nathan Cleary was awarded man of the match after coming up trumps late to lift the Blues to a memorable win.

After being named man of the match, the No.7 was still trying to come to terms with what just happened. “It’s just Origin, hey?” he said.

“Queensland got the jump on us, but a lot of the talk behind the line was really positive.

“Obviously pretty disappointed with that first half, not much defensive resilience.”

79′: James Tedesco scores match-winner

James Tedesco has scored an all-time Origin try to give NSW a lead with a minute left in the game.

Nathan Cleary put up a towering bomb from 35m out and Tedesco has leaped above the Hammer to grab the ball out of the air to score the winner.

What a try, what a game. What a comeback.

“They were gone. I’ve never seen a Sydney crowd as quiet as that first 20 minutes.. But they just plugged away. That’s as big a play as you will find at this level,” Cam Smith said in commentary.

72′: Blues coming home with wet sail

The send-off has changed the entire game, as after a couple of squandered tries the Blues are back within 4 points.

Nathan Cleary nailed a brilliant 40/20 before crossing untouched after Blake Brailey scooted out from dummy half.

NSW are running downhill here.

Queensland lead 20-16 with 8 minutes to go.

67′: NSW bomb certain try

How have NSW not scored there?

The Blues had a three on one and James Tedesco threw a horror pass to Haumole Olakau’atu that the back rower couldn’t handle, knocking it on.

The rain is pelting down but that’s a shocker from the Blues that may prove crucial.

63′: Ethan Strange scores brilliant NSW try

Ethan Strange was denied a try for an obstruction only minutes ago but now he has his try.

Casey McLean attacked a bomb and got the Blues on the front foot, with the Blues shifting left.

Ethan Strange created an overlap to set Stephen Crichton free down the left flank.

The centre raced away before linking up with the Blues five-eighth.

50′: NSW hanging in, QLD barrage

Ten minutes into the second half and no change to the half-time scoreline.

The Maroons have got the better of the opening exchanges, pinning the Blues in their half and asking questions in attack.

For now, the score remains Queensland 20, NSW 6.

Celebs spotted at Origin

A host of celebrities are in attendance in Sydney this evening to watch the opening State of Origin game.

They include Australian Fashion designer Pip Edwards, Colin from Accounts stars Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, influencers Matilda and Don Robertson, Indy Clinton, and Sarah Tilse, as well as podcast hosts Matty J and Ash Wicks.

Clayton Hobbs from Clayton’s World is also at the ground along with comedian Will Gibb and more influencers Cartier Rose Surjan and Ashlee Day.

40′: Blues have a lot of work to do

Queensland are up 20-6 at half-time, and the Blues have it all to do after the break.

Unforced errors coming out of their own half have cost NSW dearly and they will need a big second half to turn it around.