State of Origin 3: Ben Hunt gets redemption with winning try in decider, QLD Maroons defeat NS

Publish date: 2024-06-15

Redemption must taste oh so sweet for Ben Hunt.

The State of Origin decider went right down to the wire before Hunt killed off NSW with a brilliant intercept try to hand the Maroons an epic 22-12 victory.

The Blues were out on their feet and halfback Nathan Cleary had one last roll of the dice, attempting a chip kick to get over Queensland’s defence.

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But Hunt somehow swatted the ball as soon as it left Cleary’s boot and ran 60 metres to score and seal the win for the Maroons.

He let out a huge roar as Suncorp Stadium erupted and he was mobbed by his teammates, who knew the result was beyond doubt.

Hunt also nailed a 40-20 earlier in the game to give Queensland crucial field position.

His heroics for the Maroons completed a redemption story stretching back to the 2015 Grand Final, when he famously dropped the ball off the kick-off in golden point, practically handing victory to the North Queensland Cowboys over his Broncos.

That blunder made Hunt the butt of jokes for years and a much maligned player, who eventually moved to the Dragons on a multimillion-dollar deal.

But the 32-year-old has produced his best football for Queensland in recent years and fans were thrilled seven years on, Hunt finally had his crowning moment.

CODE Sports’ Brendan Bradford tweeted: “Ben Hunt’s lowest moment ever was a straight forward dropped catch, and his greatest moment is the wildest catch you’ve ever seen.”

ESPN’s Laurie Horesh said: “That’s one of the greatest rugby league plays you’ll see. Ben Hunt had no right to pluck that at point blank range. Outrageous focus and reaction.”

Channel 9’s Adam Jackson said: “After everything he’s gone through in his career Ben Hunt deserved that moment.”

Sports reporter Matt Bungard added: “Ignoring everything else, you’ve got to be happy for Ben Hunt. Treated like a punchline for years after the 2015 grand final, has had a blinding year so far and now gets that moment in #Origin - so stoked for him.”

Sports journalist Alexander Grant said: “What a moment for Ben Hunt. That's his new career legacy.”

Australian tennis player John Millman posted: “Ben Hunt should never have to pay for a beer again. Queenslander!!”

Queensland legend Cameron Smith was in awe of Hunt’s “huge plays”.

“That 40/20 was unbelievable and the timing of it,” he said on Channel 9.

“This play I don’t know how he came up with the football in his hands. That short chip over the top and back himself to run himself home.”

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