The men’s U19s State of Origin match on Thursday night at Sunshine Coast Stadium quickly escalated into chaos, with a melee erupting just two minutes into the game. NSW lock-forward Jordan Uta attempted to make a bold tackle on a Queensland player but committed a penalty for not wrapping his arms, and tensions flared as Maroons players reacted strongly.
Commentator Brenton Speed noted that the situation had become a crucial moment, warning that any further aggression could lead to penalties. Former Blues captain Brad Fittler reflected on the high levels of intensity often seen in underage games, acknowledging that such emotions can lead to flare-ups. He recognised that this is common among players aged 19 and under and hoped for a calmer match ahead.
Both team captains, Mitchell Woods and Coby Black, were issued warnings by referee Liam Kennedy, who indicated that he was prepared to penalise players if necessary. Uta soon faced the consequences of his actions, receiving a sin-bin for a shoulder charge, which Fittler pointed out reflected a lack of learning from his previous mistakes.
Commentator Phil Gould expressed disappointment over Uta’s repeated infractions, suggesting that the severity of his behaviour required more than just a warning. Meanwhile, Queensland took the opportunity to score first, with Cooper Bai, son of NRL legend Marcus Bai, putting them ahead just ten minutes in, followed by a score from Zac Garton, further extending their lead.
Overall, the match embodied the fierce competitiveness typical of State of Origin fixtures, setting the stage for a thrilling contest amid the rising tensions on the field.