As players continue a gameday media boycott, Origin captains Daly Cherry-Evans and James Tedesco, along with Wally Lewis Medal winner Reuben Cotter were still able to address fans and the crowd at Origin III’s post match ceremony.
Despite losing Origin III 24-10, Cherry-Evans offered touching words to Queensland’s supporters as the Maroons finished with their second straight series win.
“It’s always a pleasure to play on such a big stage,” he said.
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“I want to thank the Blues for the series. It’s been a tough series regardless of the result.
“These guys played fair all the way, made it a tough series and we had to work every bit of it, so thank you very much to the Blues.
“I want to thank everyone who has come here tonight, particularly you Queensland fans.”
Heading into game three, Cherry-Evans was among the tips for the Wally Lewis medal, however Cody Walker dominating on his defensive side may have hurt those chances.
Cotter, who played the full match in the middle, finished with the honour and also gave praise to “the five million back home”.
“Firstly, Congrats to NSW,” he said.
“Congrats to our boys. It’s been a great series, I have loved every moment with you in camp.
Catch up on all the action from State of Origin III on 9Now
“I just want to say thanks to all the Queensland supporters for coming out tonight, and to the five million back home watching, thanks for supporting us all the way through and thanks to the coaching staff.”
Whether 34-year-old Cherry-Evans continues on in the Queensland jersey remains to be seen after he was non-committal on his future in the lead up to Origin III.
Cotter wins Wally Lewis Medal
NSW managed to save face with the 24-10 victory after staring down the barrel of a series sweep.
Brad Fittler came into the match under significant pressure but may have done enough to earn himself a new contract.
Like Fittler, captain James Tedesco was also copping intense scrutiny for some underwhelming performances.
Post-game, Tedesco said he and his teammates wanted to “get some pride back in the jersey”.
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“Firstly I just want to thank the Queensland boys for the series, they were too good for us in the first two games, congratulations to you boys thanks for the series,” he said.
“Thanks to all the NSW fans for coming out tonight. We wanted to get some pride back in the jersey and get a win for you, I’m really glad I could.
“Disappointing to lose the first two, but I want to thank my team, the staff for the series, obviously wasn’t how we wanted today to go, going down in the first two games, but we fought hard tonight for a win. I look forward to next year.”
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State of Origin III 2023 in pictures: All the colour of the Blues v Maroons game three
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