Fans fume over controversial man-of-the-match call
A NSW player has won man-of-the-match honours in a losing side for the first time in 26 years, and fans aren't happy.
Despite losing 18-16 in a thrilling Origin II clash on Wednesday night, NSW forward Josh Jackson was bestowed the honour of best-on-ground.
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Jackson was easily NSW's best and busiest performer in the first half, but was not as effective in Queensland's second-half domination.
Josh Jackson has been crowned Man of the Match! 👏🏼
Just the second NSW player EVER to be Best on Ground in a losing side.#uptheblues pic.twitter.com/neTQiD7fzY— NSW Blues 🔵 (@NSWRL) June 21, 2017
He made 71 running metres and one tackle bust, plus 24 tackles.
It's the first time since Queensland hooker Steve Walters in 1991 that a player on the losing side has won man-of-the-match, and only the fifth time in Origin history.
A number of Queensland players turned in stellar performances, and easily could have nabbed the award.
Winger Dane Gagai was superb after being targeted early with kicks, proving the game-breaker with two tries, including the late winner in a flawless display.
Veteran fullback Billy Slater was also brave, skilful and ever-threatening in his Origin comeback and confirmed his status as a future Immortal with a key hand in the match-winner.
Fans and experts have taken to Twitter to debate the controversial call:
Our reaction when we saw Josh Jackson is man of the match #Origin #QLDER #Other pic.twitter.com/44pHSl7Mth
— Courier Mail Sport (@cmail_sport) June 21, 2017
Josh Jackson for man of the match??? That'll do me #Origin #geeup pic.twitter.com/ZX6VYNMc02
— Andrew Smith (@andrewsmithbne) June 21, 2017
Geez Josh Jackson (67m) doesn't even pull Tim Glasby's NRL numbers & wins Origin man of match. But I thought numbers were everything...
— Todd Balym (@balymt) June 21, 2017
Josh Jackson "Man" of the Match? Puhhhhlease ... surely it goes to Gagai or even Dugan for being Queensland's best right? #origin
— MARV (@simond1985) June 21, 2017
Joshua Jackson. Man of the match. 67 run metres. That is the biggest joke of the 2017 season. Rugby league ladies and gentlemen
— Flip (@MarkRP85) June 21, 2017
Sorry, Josh Jackson got it, played well but by no means the best on field.
— The Tinman (@What_Dya_Reckon) June 21, 2017
Josh Jackson the Glasby of NSW. Dude was a ghost at the ground. No way MOM.
— Tyler FC (@lifeofTy) June 21, 2017
hey so is Josh Jackson just going to give the certificate to Dane Gagai or will they just make another announcement?
— The Sportress (@theSportress) June 21, 2017
How on earth did Josh Jackson get MoM? #Staggering #StateOfOrigin2
— The Dog Whisperer (@LeDogWhisperer) June 21, 2017
