The First Four Minutes Of State Of Origin Game 2 Produced Some Bone-Crushing Tackles

When someone says "State of Origin", you automatically think of the huge hits and even a bit of old-school biff.

But in recent years, the crack down on fighting and even high shots in recent months, has left some footy fans thinking that the niggling aggression and sheer hatred inside the rival players has disappeared.

Well, for anyone who reckons the "game has gone soft", I dare you to watch the first four minutes of Game 2 in the 2021 Origin series between Queensland and New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

The first few sets were absolutely brutal as the Maroons and Blues took turns in knocking seven bells out of each other.

It was Queensland who kicked-off first, and when New South Wales received the ball deep into their own half, someone somewhere turned the volume inside Suncorp Stadium up to max.

With the hostile, partisan crowd of die-hard footy fans screaming from the bottom of their lungs, Queensland charged forward with the support of the entire Sunshine State behind them.

And as the scary line of Maroons jumpers finally reached the Blues, it was Daniel Saifiti who was the unfortunate soul who copped the first hit-up.

Before Saifiti could even brace himself for impact, he was hit by the onrushing Jai Arrow and Josh Papalii.

Then when Tom Trbojevic received the ball, he was put flat on his back by Christian Welch and Andrew McCullough.

NRL

The added bite in the tackle was clear for all to see, but unfortunately for Queensland that aggressive start didn't last for long.

When the Maroons received the ball from a kick on the next set of six, New South Wales wasted no time in returning serve and produced a couple of bone-crushing hits of their own.

The opening four minutes was absolute chaos - controlled chaos.

Unfortunately for Maroons fans, that intensity we say in the first few hit-ups barely lasted as New South Wales handed them their first ever zero point loss at Suncorp Stadium.

Topics: Rugby League, nrl, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry