For a five-eighth, Cameron Munster sure makes a pretty good fullback.
But NSW’s James Tedesco has shown why he is best No.1 in the game with a masterclass in the Blues’ heart-stopping 26-20 win to seal a second-straight State of Origin series triumph.
Tedesco fittingly scored the match winner in the dying seconds to cap a stunning two-try display that earned him the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series.
But, at first, Munster looked like he might steal the show.
Munster does not feature at fullback for Melbourne in the NRL.
The last time the Storm pivot donned a No.1 jersey was in 2018’s opening round.
However, Munster showed why former Queensland skipper Cameron Smith believed fullback was the Melbourne star’s preferred position with a standout performance for the Maroons.
“That was one of the best Origin performances I have seen. He should be proud of himself,” former Queensland No.1 Billy Slater said of Munster, who stepped up for the injured Kalyn Ponga.
Yet somehow it wasn’t enough.
Tedesco again proved the difference as NSW sealed consecutive series for the first time since 2005.
With the Blues seemingly on the rack trailing 8-2, they came to life after Tedesco’s stunning 65m kick return.
A few plays later, prop Paul Vaughan crashed over to help lock up the scores.
And after Queensland again threatened in the second half with Munster’s brilliance, Tedesco stood up once more.
Running off halfback Mitchell Pearce, Tedesco crashed over in the 61st minute for the hosts to regain the lead.
Then came the big moment.
The Maroons looked to have pulled off yet another comeback when they levelled the scores at 20-20 in the dying moments.
Enter Tedesco.
After a Blake Ferguson sideline bust, Tedesco crashed over to send the 82,565 fans into raptures with 32 seconds left on the clock.
In the end, Tedesco ran 222m, had 10 tackle busts, four line breaks and broke countless Maroons hearts.
“It was a pretty good feeling to score that try,” Tedesco said.
“It was pretty special to win the series last year but, to win it again, is magic.”
Munster ran 162m, had a line break and three tackle busts.
“It was pretty disappointing the way we finished. To be honest, I thought we had them,” Munster said.
“We were just a bit lazy there for one second and they can really hurt you, but someone has to win and someone has to lose.”