'Shame on you': Uproar over 'disgusting' moment after State of Origin decider
Queensland fans have sparked uproar after the State of Origin decider by booing Nathan Cleary and the referees.
Not content with their 20-14 victory that clinched the series for the Maroons, fans decided to boo the officials and NSW halfback during the post-match presentation.
‘ROBBED’: NSW fans fume over 'disgraceful' controversy
‘DISGUSTING’: Queensland star's 'revolting' act angers fans
Acting as NSW captain after James Tedesco was heavily concussed early in the game, Cleary was called upon to deliver a runner-up speech.
But he was loudly booed by fans as he made his way to the podium.
Fans at Suncorp Stadium then booed the referees after they were given a special mention by the presentation host, sparking uproar on social media.
Some Twitter users labelled the behaviour “disgusting” and “shameful”.
who was booing nathan Cleary and NSW on origin?? Disgusting behaviour tbh I don’t get why people do that #StateOfOrigin
— nnm🕊 (@nothandomoyox1) November 18, 2020
Really booing Cleary? Great sport man ship you dogs #StateOfOrigin
— Coopxrfreemxn (@CooperFreeman_1) November 18, 2020
To the Queenslanders booing at the mention of any NSW member, shame on you. That is not the Queensland Spirit. Stop it. #Origin
— Blair Roberts (@blairamroberts) November 18, 2020
Queensland crowd classy in booing Cleary as well. They all take the collective L in class.
— Christopher Owen 🦪 (@oysta) November 18, 2020
Booing Cleary and NSW? Nice sportsmanship you maroon rats
— Coopxrfreemxn (@CooperFreeman_1) November 18, 2020
Qld supporters really showing their true colours booing Nathan Cleary and the refs post match... so gracious, so classy. 🤢 #NRL #StateOfOrigin
— stella (@stellamhunter) November 18, 2020
Queensland win decider in Origin miracle
The Maroons defended with a man down in the final three minutes to win a brutal decider 20-14 at a near-capacity Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday.
Debutant Harry Grant - one of 14 uncapped players used by Bennett across the series - changed the game after being brought on early in the first half and probing the ruck to score the decisive try.
But Cameron Munster set the tone, creating a crucial try on his way to winning the man-of-the-match award and Wally Lewis Medal for man-of-the series honours.
Bennett blooded 10 debutants in 2001 in a series that culminated in Allan Langer’s shock return from England for the decider.
Fast forward almost two decades and Bennett - a late replacement after Kevin Walters took the Brisbane NRL job - could see the similarities after a series Queensland were not given much hope externally of winning.
“We achieved something similar in 2001 when we brought Alf back for that third game and I think the key to us tonight was getting Munster back on the field,” he said.
“And we didn't have to bring him from England, we just had to make sure his head was okay.
“He's got a lot of Allan Langer characteristics about him, can just make it happen, just backs his instinct.”
Munster sent the 49,115 fans wild when he kicked and regathered before repeating the dose while in mid-air as he gathered again before chipping across field for another debutant, Edrick Lee, to score before halftime for a 12-6 lead.
Grant lunged for the line and scored for a 20-6 lead with 15 minutes to play, Queensland holding off the Blues' late surge to win an eighth decider from the last nine contested.
A Daniel Tupou try and NSW penalty goal made it a six-point game inside the final 10 minutes, with Valentine Holmes twice fumbling chances to seal the result either side of that in a chaotic finish.
Fullback Corey Allan was binned with three minutes to go for blocking Josh Addo-Carr's path as the NSW flyer raced to score.
The Maroons defended tenaciously with a man down for two sets and survived a last-ditch captain's challenge to clinch a dramatic victory.
with AAP
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
