Origin Erupts after Kalyn Ponga SEND OFF 😱💥 Teddy & Cleary seal NSW Comeback | Fox Sports News

As mentioned, New South Wales have pulled off the biggest comeback in Origin history to win a thrilling series opener at a rain -soaked Accor Stadium.The Maroons led 20 -0 in the first half before fullback Calum Ponga was sent off in the second half.

This has been controlled.Ball was straight.

So here's the tech.Oh, wow.

He runs directly at the chest of Harry Grant who is in slide.

Yeah, he's in slide.

This takes Harry out of his position in the defensive line.As Ethan Strange rolls out of that tackle, Harry's denied the chance to slide over and compete in this tackle, which is an obstruction, we have a decision.What a play, what a play from Casey McLean, over the top of his captain, or over the top of...

Oh, Creighton!Creighton's in the club!Strange hits his back at this time, they won't be taking this one off the...The Blues are alive at the Kop!They've done well this set, Queensland, with 12 men, 21 metre gain, New South Wales.With one man advantage!

He's done that before at a core stadium, Nathan Cleary.It feels like the last minutes, there's nine of them to go.Braylett blows on Scott.Seven and a half to go.Cleary ball.It may be their last chance.

An incredible game that went right down to the wire.

The Blues victorious in a series opener in Sydney for the first time since 2013.New South Wales scored four tries for three, their last three tries coming against 12 men.Origin now heads to the MCG in three weeks time where the Blues can secure the series.So after being dropped from the side and then brought back into the team for this series, James Tedesco crossed for the winning try.The former skipper stoked with the result.

Just glad we hung in tight, that's what Orange is about, all the way to the 80th minute.

It's a real positive tonight, some of the young guys are coming to the side, done a fantastic job.

Unreal.The boys prepared so well all week.The boys had a great night and credit to the whole team, the whole squad.We dug deep there, but that's only one game, still more to go.

Now finally, mate, that try.

There were questions on whether Nathan Cleary could stand up in the Origin Arena, especially after losing halves partner Mitch Moses pre -game.The Panthers superstar delivered with a man of the match performance.

Yeah, it's just originally, it was absolutely crazy, but that's why we love the game.It was honestly a tale of two halves, but Teddy's actually him, just to come with that big play at the end, unbelievable.

What about your try at the end there as well to walk us through it?

I don't know, it happened so quick and I have to give a shout out to Brails just to back himself to jump out and just had to push with him.It's just a pleasure to play with all these guys, just have the courage to keep going and Strange on debut was unbelievable.Like he's just an absolute beast and so great to take the field with him.

Tell us a little bit as to what was going through your mind in that first half, especially Queensland, they came flying out of the blocks.I think a lot of New South Wales fans here were pretty shell -shocked.

Yeah, Queensland in typical Queensland fashion, they come out really fast and got the jump on us.But to be honest, a lot of the talk behind the line was still really positive, just checking in with each other.And, you know, we knew we could get back in it, the tables would turn, but had to fight hard to do it.Obviously disappointed with that first half, just didn't have much defensive resolve.But, you know, there's two games to go and we have an opportunity to right that wrong.

But then that feeling at the end?Oh, yeah.

Unbelievable, can't beat it but as I said you know two games to go don't want to fall in love with ourselves but enjoy this one tonight and get straight back to it.

Playing with all these guys they're all legends of the game who I grew up watching so I was pinching myself when I was out there.Luckily I had Nathan Cleary.

What a player your halfback is.Speak about Nathan, particularly that second half.Stood up some key moments.His kicking game, he really is unbelievable.

Yeah, look, the way he controls the game is second to none.I was on the other side of it a couple of weeks ago when we versed Penrith.But to be playing alongside him tonight, It's pretty good.

It was a pretty incredible turnaround.I mean, Queensland, they gave you absolutely nothing.Their lines beat in defense.Backs against the wall for New South Wales, but just some really big moments, so momentum shifts.You're a big part of some of those, Ethan.Do you have any standout moments from that game, just thinking back already?

Nah.Too quick?It was a blaze.Too quick.I got nothing for you, sorry.

All right, well, tell me this.What does that jersey mean to you right now?I know you're dabbed in the crowd.

Yeah, it means a lot.I grew up watching this and when the Blues won, it was everything.Had a little skip in my step when I went to school for the next day, so, man, that's awesome.

I don't know, it's a hard one to sort of reflect on right now, but, yeah, just disappointed, I guess.

What did it mean to be able to pull on this jersey, despite the result?You did everyone in Queensland proud, your family, your friends, the entire state.I know how much they were proud of you.What did it mean?

Yeah, it's, yeah, really special to be able to put the jersey on, I think.The whole week's been really special and yeah, I'm looking forward to the next camp.