With Origin affecting both sides, no-one was quite sure what to expect, but it was Cronulla Sharks five-eighth Todd Carney that proved he deserves another Origin chance eventually, putting on a masterclass and leading his side to victory over the Brisbane Broncos.
There were some nervous moments for the Sharks, however, as the Broncos mounted a late comeback towards the end of the game, but their final play came to nothing as they were tackled with the ball in hand.
The star of the show was Carney, though, who was involved in all three of the Sharks tries and kicked the field-goal that proved the difference between the two sides, as the Sharks took it out 19-18.
Despite the win, the Sharks will face nervous waits on two fronts – a shoulder injury to Wade Graham and Mark Taufua being put on report for a shoulder charge.
Carney, playing in his 150th NRL game, admitted that extenze safe it took longer for him to reach that mark given his previous time off for indiscretions, was pleased with the game he was able to produce.
With a solid game like this, he hopes this is the key game for him that sees him find his form and feet once again.
“Last year, heading into finals time I had a few injuries and my form started dropping off,” he said.
“Hopefully this is the game I needed to spark the final run home for the year.”
For the Broncos, with three straight losses, they are currently struggling to crack the top 8 – though despite that, coach Anthony Griffin was pleased with his side’s effort and resolve.
“It was a tough old game,” Griffin said.
“Both teams gave everything and it just opened up right near the end there.
“We just gave them too much start though.”
3. Todd Carney.
2. Michael Gordon
1. Corey Oates