James Tedesco’s thrilling last-minute try delivers another monument to State of Origin

An epic first game was won by the veteran Blues fullback but the contest was turned by Kalyn Ponga’s sending off with his team 20-6 up

In drizzling rain, fatigued bodies, all flailing and falling – except one. Evergreen James Tedesco rose to bump then clutch then plant the ball, securing New South Wales a famous State of Origin victory.

This was a man said to be too old for rugby league’s grand contest. Who lost his job last year, an axe appearing to sever the connection between the Blues and one of their modern heroes. A man who until this moment had watched the evening unfold from the periphery.