Monday 5 June 2017 12:08, UK
Jenna Brooks has the latest from the NRL as Gareth Widdop stars on his return and Johnathan Thurston attempts to prove his fitness in time for Origin II...
Blues cruise in Origin opener
Did we witness the changing of the guard on Wednesday?
New South Wales comfortably beat Queensland in the opening game of the 2017 State of Origin. The 28-4 success was the Blues' biggest victory at Suncorp Stadium.
While virtually every Blues player stood up and performed, there were two players who produced inspired performances - James Tedesco at full-back and man of the match Andrew Fifita.
Fifita made 183 metres from 18 runs, scored a try and a try assist, but the forward is confident he still has room for improvement.
"I don't think that was my best game," he said. "It's already in the past and I have to think about my next game."
Tedesco made 192 metres and had two line breaks, and also crossed for a try and set one up, but it was in defence where he really impressed. The Tigers full-back made two try-saving tackles in one set of six.
"We were just hungry to get out there and have a go," said Tedesco. "We didn't want to think about the past too much, we just wanted to come up here and play our game and I think everyone did that."
The biggest surprise prior to game one was Billy Slater's omission from the Maroons squad.
Slater was outstanding in Melbourne's 40-12 win over Newcastle on Friday, scoring two tries and creating two more to remind Queensland selectors what he brings to a team.
"I don't think there was any more motivation for me to play well tonight than there was for the last few weeks," said Slater.
I think we can expect to see Slater back in the Maroons jersey come June 21.
Thurston Latest
Could Johnathan Thurston join Slater in Origin II?
The Cowboys playmaker is in line to make his return against Parramatta on Saturday with reports suggesting he is nearing a full recovery from a shoulder injury.
North Queensland coach Paul Green said Thurston will play as soon as he is 100 per cent fit.
"It's a matter of him getting the strength back in his shoulder," said Green. "When that happens we will pick him. Trust me."
Queensland coach Kevin Walters will give Thurston every chance to prove his fitness.
"We're hopeful; we've got fingers crossed," he said. "We'll have to wait and see how that all pans out. (He has) one game to come back in. If he can do that it will be a positive for us."
Widdop Returns
After spending five weeks sidelined with a knee injury, Gareth Widdop returned to action with a bang.
The England international scored two first-half tries and kicked as many goals to help St George Illawarra to a 16-12 win over the Wests Tigers.
Widdop, who suffered a knee injury during the Dragons loss to the Roosters at the end of March, returned a week ahead of schedule and Coach Paul McGregor was full of praise for his captain.
"I thought Gaz was the form player of the competition before his injury," said McGregor.
"He's done a lot of work over the past five weeks to come back a week early and I'm glad he did because he led the boys well."
"He's a total professional in the way he prepares himself to play well and the boys get a lot of confidence around Gareth because he's the type of player who instils that in everyone"
Heighington Future
For the last year Chris Heighington has been linked with a move to Super League and we should have an answer from the two-time Premiership winner within the next month.
Heighington's contract with Cronulla expires at the end of this year and the 34-year-old says he will make a final decision on what lies ahead in the coming weeks, but he did admit he would rather stay in Australia.
"I'm not too sure if I'm going to play on or retire," said Heighington. "I'll probably (decide) over the next month to be honest. I will sit down with my family and sit down with the club and see where they're at."
He added: "I would like to stay in Australia ideally. If it's not here, I'll probably retire."
