Blues leading in Origin opener

New South Wales led Queensland 12-6 after 20 minutes of this year's opening State of Origin match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane tonight.
Queensland got off to the perfect start when winger Greg Inglis latched onto a Johnathan Thurston chip kick on the left wing to touch down in the fourth minute.
Playing in the unfamiliar position of winger, Storm centre Matt King came a long way infield in defence and was left in no-man's land when Thurston delivered a pinpoint chip over his head for the flying Inglis.

Thurston then converted the try for an early 6-0 lead.
But the Blues drew level just minutes later when Nathan Hindmarsh powered his way over after an incisive run from pivot Braith Anasta close to the line.
Referee Paul Simpkins inexplicably chose not to refer the try to the video referee and replays suggested Hindmarsh was in fact held up by the Maroons defence.

The Blues extended their advantage in the 20th minute when Matt Cooper crossed out wide on the left wing after the Maroons were left hopelessly outnumbered in defence.
Queensland entered the match as slight favourites over New South Wales and are looking to go 1-0 up as they seek to retain the trophy after last year's come-from-behind 2-1 series win.