New South Wales has gone one-up in the 2017 State Of Origin series with a dominant display in the opening match of the series at Suncorp Stadium.
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Former NFL convert Jarryd Hayne returned to representative rugby league with a bang, scoring a crucial second half try.
A try just short of halftime gave the Blues a 12-4 lead and they schooled their opponents after the break to win 28-4
Fifita was one of several stars in a Blues side whose time looks like it has finally arrived, albeit against a Queensland team that will now be sweating on the injured Johnathan Thurston returning for game two. It will stun if Billy Slater – for some reason overlooked for this match – isn't there, too.
Even with those players, however, Laurie Daley's men will be brimming with confidence after a 28-4 victory, their biggest in Brisbane.
Fullback James Tedesco was equally as dominant as Fifita, scoring tries at one end and snuffing them out at the other. Aaron Woods found the form he hasn't had all season at the Tigers. Rookie hooker Nathan Peats tackled everything but the Maroons trainers.
Jarryd Hayne went into the match with his future undecided at the Titans, although it seems likely he'll be staying for the final year of his $1.2 million contract.
When he scored in the 60th minute, he ran towards the large pocket of Blues fans behind the posts climbed into them, arms outstretched. After toying with American football and rugby sevens, the Hayne Plane was home.
In many respects, rugby league needs a NSW series win. Just to change it up.
