Game III
Queensland's decision to drop Billy Slater in favour of Matt Bowen led to outrage amongst Maroons fans.
| 20:00 6 July | Queensland | 10–32 | New South Wales | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Attendance: 52,496 Referee/s: Paul Simpkins Man of the Match: Anthony Minichiello |
| Matt Bowen (4 - 1t) Johnathan Thurston (4 - 1t) Cameron Smith (2 - 1g) |
(Report) | (12 - 3t) Matt King (6 - 3g) Andrew Johns (4 - 1t) Braith Anasta (4 - 1t) Mark Gasnier (4 - 1t) Timana Tahu (2 - 1t) Craig Fitzgibbon |
After 25 years the 2005 decider was the 75th game between the two sides, with 36 wins for each side. The crowd of 52,496 people at Suncorp Stadium was a record for the ground at the time. After an hour New South Wales had raced away to a 32-0 lead and late tries to Queensland proved too little too late. Matt King became only the 9th player (and 4th New South Welshman) to score a hat-trick in State of Origin.
Read more about this topic: 2005 State Of Origin Series
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