Let me quote the dictionary, the meaning of the word emphatic – expressing something forcibly and clearly, something done or said in a strong way, and without any doubt.
Well, you can attach a video to that definition if you like, and it would be the New South Wales Blues’ performance last night in the State of Origin opener.
Eight tries to one, 11 line breaks to one, 50 points to six, the biggest win by the Blues ever.
It was done on Queensland’s soil, with the anticipation of the fast, dry, track suiting Brad Fittler’s team coming home to roost.
I’m lucky in my life to have witnessed some of the great Queensland backlines, in the late 80s in particular, Wally Lewis always there, Gene Miles, Mal Meninga, Gary Belcher, a young Allan Langer, Michael Hancock the names go on.
What I saw last night from the New South Wales backline was every bit as good, as classy, and as imposing.
Tom Trbojevic’s game was on another planet, what a performance. Latrell Mitchell at left centre, magnificent. James Tedesco, fullback, captain, as good as ever.
The wingers, Josh Addo Carr, Brian To’o on debut - he looks set for a long New South Wales career.
The halves carried their club form into Origin, Jarome Luai had an outstanding debut last night, and Nathan Cleary in my opinion had his best performance in an Origin match to date, has to be the Kangaroos halfback.
You’d be hard pressed to find a player who didn’t do their job last night, but it was the sparkle of the backline that stood out most.
Just as was the case in the late 80s, New South Wales fans had to concede that their opponents were just too good.
Well I predict Queensland fans will be doing the same in two weeks’ time. The Blues, too good, so good to watch.
Well done to Brad Fittler’s men, you can mark June 9, 2021, in State of Origin history as a performance up there with the very, very best.