State of Origin Game 1, NSW wins after Queensland player sent off
sportsMay 27, 20262761
New South Wales edged Queensland in Game 1 of the State of Origin after Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off for a head clash. Ponga spent more than 20 minutes off the field following the incident, leaving Queensland a player short during a critical period. The dismissal shaped the match flow and contributed to a narrow NSW victory, highlighting how rare Origin send-offs can decisively affect tight series openers.
