Quotes from State of Origin I

“There was nothing in it this time and surely there will be nothing in the second one and the third one as well.” – NSW may have lost again but Queensland fullback Billy Slater predicts the series will go down to the wire.

“You just cannot knock off for half a second and that is what happened.” – Blues captain Paul Gallen  rues the defensive lapse that cost his side the game just four minutes after NSW had hit the front for the first time.

“I think that should go down in the annals as one of the toughest performances from a Queensland player ever because we needed him.” – Queensland coach Mal  Meninga salutes centre Willie Tonga who played 63 minutes of the game with a partially dislocated shoulder.

“There was still 10 minutes to go and no one was putting the white flag up.” – Queensland captain Darren Lockyer, who set up his side’s match winning try.

“He is one of those players everyone looks to and everyone wants to hear what he says. He is a class act. He’s a bit like a coach on the field.” – Maroons winger Darius Boyd praises Darren Lockyer’s cool head after the captain inspired his troops in the dying minutes.

“I was disappointed with a couple of parts of our game but, gee they are courageous. It is amazing how we were even still in the game.” –  Blues coach Ricky Stuart could only applaud his side’s defensive effort.

“My nan and pop, a few aunties, my girlfriend, four of my mates, cousins, most of my family and the people who matter.” – Delighted Maroons debutant Jharal Yow Yeh explains just how many of his entourage he managed to get into Suncorp Stadium.