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2 months ago
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Both New South Wales and Queensland were left a player down during the State of Origin decider after a wild all-in brawl erupted on the field - and even the ball boys got involved.
The Blues' historic 14-4 victory over Queensland on Wednesday night marked only their third win in a series decider in Brisbane from 13 attempts.
It also secured the Blues just their fifth series victory in 19 years, and denied Queensland a third straight series crown.
But both sides are expected to feel the after-effects for some time following a chaotic first-half melee that spilled over the sideline.
Queensland backrower Jeremiah Nanai poured petrol on a push-and-shove between his captain Daly Cherry-Evans and NSW playmaker Jarome Luai when he barged into the pair, before Murray sensationally came from the bench to join the action.
Players came from all sides - with NSW 19th man Haumole Olakau'atu heavily involved while wearing a suit - as TV monitors and chairs were scattered by the flying bodies.
Footage even shows several ball boys running in to get as close as possible to the chaotic brawl.
Multiple players were sent from the field after an all-in brawl erupted at Suncorp - with Blues star Cameron Murray (third from left) being sin-binned after he ran in while on the bench
Haumole Olakau’atu and Cam Murray are almost certain to miss games for their clubs because of their involvement in the brawl (pictured)
NSW pair Cameron Murray and Haumole Olakau'atu are facing two-match suspensions after being hit with grade-three contrary conduct charges on Thursday.
Seven other players - Maroons players Jeremiah Nanai, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Reuben Cotter, Felise Kaufusi and Blues players Brian To'o, Matt Burton and Payne Haas - were also hit with contrary conduct over the brawl but can escape with fines.
Murray made footy history by becoming the first player to be sin-binned while he wasn't on the field.
Cherry-Evans was adamant after the game that Murray should have been sent off, labelling his actions 'unacceptable'.
But NSW coach Michael Maguire came to the defence of the Blues pair, suggesting it was a positive they had stuck up for their teammates.
'When you look at that moment, Cam Murray is one of the nicest blokes in the game,' he said.
'He plays the game to perfection. He obviously went down there because he cares for one of his teammates.
'I've known Cameron for a long time, never thought he'd jump into something like that, but it just goes to show what the group mean to each other.'
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