Queensland thrash sorry NSW to seal 2023 State of Origin series win

A rampant Queensland retained the State of Origin shield with a comprehensive 32-6 win over New South Wales in Game Two of the 2023 series at Suncorp Stadium.

Valentine Holmes scored in each half, either side of Murray Taulagi’s first Origin try, to put the Maroons well in the driving seat in Brisbane.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow added a fourth after 51 minutes to put the home side 20-0 up, and after a Damian Cook response briefly reduced the arrears and gave the Blues some hope, a stunning effort from Xavier Coates and an opportunist try from Jeremiah Nanai iced the victory.

It is Billy Slater’s second straight series win since taking over the reins as Maroons coach last year. But for his counterpart Brad Fittler, defeat is certain to intensify scrutiny on his job.

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Full report to follow.