NSW pulled of their greatest ever Origin comeback as a last-gasp try from James Tedesco broke Queensland’s hearts in the series opener.

Kalyn Ponga absolutely deserved to be sent off.

The opening match of the 2026 State of Origin series is done and dusted, but the debate is only beginning.

The Blues have taken a 1-0 lead in the 2026 State of Origin series after a dramatic 22-20 comeback win over the Maroons.

Queensland coach Billy Slater has revealed he had “no problems” with the potentially series-defining decision to send Kalyn Ponga off after an ugly high shot on Tolu Koula in the Origin opener.

Queensland's coach bats away questions about the notable absence of Brisbane's star fullback after seeing his side cough up a 20-point lead.

Queensland fans will be fuming. Even some NSW legends didn’t think the Maroons fullback should have been marched for a tackle on Tolu Koula. Christian Nicolussi

So, who writes James Tedesco’s State of Origin scripts?

It remains the biggest talking point of the 2026 Origin opener, but Channel 9 commentator Phil Gould was having no part in commenting on Kalyn Ponga’s controversial shot on Tolu Koula, or the send-off that followed it.

When the Blues needed heroes to get on top of the Maroons in State of Origin I, they turned to a debutante and the oldest player on the field.