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Tedesco stunner hands NSW the biggest comeback win in Origin history
James Tedesco scored the late winner as NSW completed the biggest comeback in State of Origin history, overturning a 20-0 deficit.
On Wednesday night, New South Wales secured a gripping 22-20 victory over Queensland at Sydney's Accor Stadium, with fullback James Tedesco scoring the match-winning try in the 78th minute.
Referee Ashley Klein sent off Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga for a shoulder charge on Tolu Koula with 23 minutes remaining, handing the Blues a crucial avenue back into the contest.
Debutant Ethan Strange sparked the Blues' offense with several runs and a try, while halfback Nathan Cleary kicked a pressure 40/20 and scored a 71st-minute try to cut the deficit to four points.
Queensland coach Billy Slater defended the send-off, stating, "I haven't got any problems with it," while noting Ponga "obviously feels he's let his team down."
History favors the Blues, as the team winning Origin I has secured the series 70 percent of the time; the Maroons now face an uphill battle to retain the series with game three in Brisbane on July 8.