LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans has delivered a crushing blow to the New South Wales Origin team, earning himself the man of the match award in game one and leaving the beaten Blues soul-searching.
The icy-cool skipper had a defiant message for his rivals after leading Queensland to a dominant State of Origin victory, flexing his muscles at Accor Stadium.
The Blues were forced to battle with a player down for over 70 minutes after Joseph Suaali'i was given his marching orders for a high shot on Reece Walsh, who was also forced out of the game.
The early setback completely altered the game, with the Maroons taking a commanding 20-6 lead at halftime.
Despite a valiant effort from NSW after the break, where they managed to score a second try through Zac Lomax and gain some control of the game, Cherry-Evans' brilliant 40-20 turned the tide back in Queensland's favor.
The skipper's heroics guided his team to a convincing 38-10 victory, putting the Blues to the sword.
Cherry-Evans showcased his skill and leadership by intercepting a pass when the Blues were on the attack, sealing the deal for Queensland and burying any hopes of a NSW comeback.
It was a clinical display from the Maroons skipper, who left the Blues licking their wounds and searching for answers in the aftermath of the game.