State of Origin 3: Ben Hunt gets redemption with winning try in decider, QLD Maroons defeat NS
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.
Stream the FOX LEAGUE State of Origin Game 3 REPLAY on Kayo with no ads during-play. Both full and condensed replays available to stream from 11PM AEST. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
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.”
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ70qmmq6xfo7%2Bte8GepWagpaPBbrLIp5ilpKlitKbA0mapnpyVor21tc6nZLChpJ16trrBnqOinaaWr62xjKmjmrFdnrtuu9GinqKmXZmypLXDnqloppWswG6%2F06ipsmdlmrOmhJdpaWyaY2WBeH%2BRcZxtnGVlgHewmG9tamqVmw%3D%3D