Cameron Smith has stepped up when it matters, slotting the winning field goal to give the Melbourne Storm a narrow victory over the Sydney Roosters.
The Adelaide Oval fans thought they were in for a dour contest with a 2-all half-time scoreline.
This quickly changed, however, as the second half pace livened up and became more frenetic.
Although the Storm won, the big talking point will be injuries to several Origin players.
Roosters and QLD prop Dylan Napa strained ligaments in his knee, with Blues winger Josh Addo-Carr injuring an ankle.
Field goals are the norm at Adelaide Oval; the last clash between the two sides at the venue was also decided by a point (25-24).
With defence holding firm for sixty minutes, a penalty goal apiece were the only points scored up until then.
Hulking Storm prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona had one thought in his mind; scoring a try.
He barged over and Smith converted to give the Storm an 8-2 lead.
The Roosters answered soon after as Matt Ikuvalu scored a try with Mitchell converting.
The Roosters and Blues centre will be disappointed, though, for he missed a penalty goal from right in front that hit the upright.
From there, Smith stepped up. 40m out, his side wanting the win and he calmly slotted the field goal.
Despite making a few errors that could have cost them the match, Storm coach Craig Bellamy praised Asofa-Solomona.
“Nels [Asofa-Solomona] has a bit of game like that every now and again,” Bellamy said.
I thought other than his errors, he was really strong for us to be quite honest.”
“We’ve got a couple of big guys out for us at the moment like Jesse [Bromwich] and Sam [Kasiano]. So I thought he did a pretty good job.
“They were pretty critical drops but he battled on hard after that considering what he’s been through this week.”
The missed penalty goal from in front did not leave Roosters coach Trent Robinson impressed.
“They are the small moments in game, where you need to take them,” Robinson said.
“In a tight game, a point or two can make a big difference in the end.”
Player of the Game:
3. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
2. Sio Siua Taukeiaho
- Cameron Smith