Andrew Johns Fumes After Queensland Wins 2023 State of Origin Series

The Queensland Maroons have secured a historic victory in the 2023 State of Origin series, defeating New South Wales in Game 3 to claim their first series win since 2018. The triumph, which concluded on May 28, 2026, marks a significant turning point for the Maroons, who had endured a decade-long drought in the fiercely contested annual rugby league showdown.

Legends player and former Maroons captain Andrew Johns, now a prominent commentator and analyst, expressed his unbridled joy at the outcome during a post-match interview on the Nine Network panel. Johns, who played a pivotal role in Queensland’s 2017 series victory, was visibly emotional as he reflected on the team’s resilience and determination.

“This win is for every Queenslander who has ever bled Maroons green,” Johns told the panel. “It’s about heart, it’s about never giving up, and it’s about proving that when you’re down, you can get back up. That’s what this team has done tonight.”

The victory caps a dramatic series in which Queensland overcame early setbacks, including a narrow loss in Game 1 and a hard-fought draw in Game 2. The Maroons’ triumph in Game 3, played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, was built on a disciplined defensive effort and a late surge in the second half. Key contributions from halfback Cooper Cronk and hooker James Tedesco were instrumental in securing the 24-18 win.

New South Wales, who had led the series 1-0 after Game 1, were unable to capitalize on their early momentum. Despite a strong performance from halfback Joel Monaghan, the Blues struggled to break down Queensland’s defense, which was bolstered by the experience of veterans such as Cameron Smith and Greg Inglis.

The series win is a significant morale boost for Queensland Rugby League, which has faced challenges in recent years, including financial constraints and roster instability. The victory also reignites the debate about the long-term competitiveness of the two teams, with many suggesting that the series is now more evenly matched than ever before.

Looking ahead, both teams will now focus on their respective NRL seasons, with the Maroons aiming to build on this momentum as they prepare for the upcoming finals campaign. The Blues, meanwhile, will look to regroup and address key areas of their game ahead of next year’s series.

For Queensland fans, the series win is a rare moment of celebration in a sport that has often seen them on the wrong side of history. The triumph is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Maroons and a reminder of why State of Origin remains one of the most intense and passionate rivalries in world sport.

As Johns put it during the post-match interview, “Queensland has moved on. We’ve left the past behind, and now we’re looking forward to the future.”

With the series now in the books, all eyes turn to the NRL, where both teams will seek to translate their State of Origin success into on-field dominance in the coming months.