Try telling Andrew Johns Queenslanders are more passionate about State of Origin than their rival state.
The rugby league immortal’s horrified facial expression said it all during a moment where the Blues butchered a try as they continued to mount a comeback in the second half of Wednesday’s thrilling series opener.
NSW fullback James Tedesco and Haumole Olakau’atu were involved in a moment where the Blues shot themselves in the foot with nothing but the try line in front of the Manly powerhouse.
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With Queensland playing a man down following the send-off of Kalyn Ponga, the Blues had the Queensland defence shot to pieces as they moved the ball to the right hand side on the 10m line.
You can watch his reaction in the video player above.
Fox League commentator Andrew Voss called it an “eight on two” overlap for the Blues, but a tired pass from Tedesco fell at Olakau’atu’s shoelaces.
The Blues had three players unmarked on the edge in a moment that would have haunted Tedesco, Olakau’atu and NSW coach Laurie Daley — if not for the Roosters captain’s miracle 79th minute try.
The bungle was all too much for Johns to handle watching the game from the Channel 9 broadcast box.
He threw himself back in his chair, visibly shaking and dropped his jaw in front of the microphone with a gobsmacked expression on his face.
He then turned away from the action to look towards the other end of the field before closing his eyes and covering his face with his hand with a murderous facial expression.
While Johns was unable to speak, legendary Queensland captain Cameron Smith said the Blues had “butchered” it.
“Queensland had one defender in that half of the field,” he said.
“Tedesco could have almost ran the ball there. He just had to take it forward. Selwyn Cobbo was the last defender. All he had to do was run the ball towards him and it was a simple pass to Olakau’atu. He couldn’t get down the big man.
“I can’t believe that.”
Johns couldn’t either.
Olakau’atu stayed down on the ground after the play before grimacing as he tried to get back to his feet.
It appeared his entire body seized up with cramp and he was unable to move his legs for a moment while the Blues set their defensive line.
Fortunately for Tedesco, the blunder was all forgotten when he popped up to score an iconic Origin try when he snatched the ball from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s hands as he contested a kick on the try line.
