LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Chevy Stewart was the standout player for the NSW Blues as they managed to hold off the Queensland Maroons in a tense Under 19s Origin showdown at Leichhardt Oval.
Stewart's skills in attack and ability to handle pressure situations were instrumental in the victory, as the Andrew Ryan-led Blues continued their winning streak in the under 19 contests.
The Blues had an early opportunity to score, but the Maroons defense stood strong and turned the tables with a Tyreece Tait intercept.
Despite a valiant effort from the Blues defense to stop Tait, winger Jesse McLean unfortunately had to leave the field due to Category 1 concussion symptoms.
Queensland seemed to gain momentum when Sam Stephenson crossed the try line, but the joy was short-lived as the pass was deemed forward.
The Blues capitalized on this opportunity, with Stewart scoring a try in the seventh minute and Jake Elliott converting to make it 6-0.
After a heated exchange between players from both teams in the 20th minute, the Maroons found their rhythm, with bench forward Harry Armstrong scoring a try next to the posts off a well-executed pass from Lewis Symonds.