Today we take a look at the Origin match that is synonymous with the name Ryan Girdler…
This may not go down as NSW’s most significant victory but it was definitely the most emphatic with the Blues going on a second half rampage to massacre the Maroons 56-16.
There was nothing at stake in this game as NSW had already won the series with victories in games one and two and the Blues came into this game looking to seal their third series whitewash.
Penrith centre Ryan Girdler was the star of the show scoring three tries and 10 goals for a 32 point haul that still stands as the most points scored by an individual in an origin match.
Girdler grabbed the opening try of the evening after intercepting a pass from Julian O’Neill and racing 40 metres to score. This was immediately followed by a try to Adam MacDougall and after 15 minutes the Blues were ahead 12-0.
Matt Rogers struck back to reduce Queensland’s deficit to six points but Girdler restored the Blues 12 point advantage when he scored his second converted try. A try to Darren Smith and a goal to Girdler rounded out the half.
NSW’s blitzkrieg began four minutes after the resumption with Andrew Johns scoring a great team try. 14 minutes later Girdler completed his hat trick and the land slide begun with Gidley, Fletcher and MacDougall all crossing for converted tries within a 13 minute period.
Queensland forward Gordon Tallis scored a consolation try in the 77th minute but this was nullified by a last minute try to Gidley.
NSW: Tim Brasher, Adam MacDougall, Ryan Girdler, Matt Gidley, Jamie Ainscough , Brad Fittler ©, Brett Kimmorley, Scott Hill, Ben Kennedy, Bryan Fletcher, Jason Stevens, Geoff Toovey, Robbie Kearns.
Interchange: Andrew Johns, David Furner, Adam Muir, Michael Vella.
Coach: Wayne Pearce
NSW 56 (R Girdler 3, M Gidley 2, A Muir, A Johns, B Fletcher, A MacDougall tries; R Girdler 10 Goals) def. QLD 16 (M Rogers, D Smith, G Tallis tries; M Rogers 2 goals)
Click here to see the full squad named for Game One
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