Origin sinner

The first game of this year's rugby league State Of Origin series was the ballet of brutality we've come to expect.

For the benefit of those awaiting delayed telecasts (PG and DG? DQ?), I won't divulge the scoreline or the victors. What I will say is this: I think referee Paul Simpkins had a negative impact. There were too many penalties and the rulings he got wrong repeatedly killed a side's momentum at a crucial point. (Note that I'm not suggesting any bias as he did it to NSW and Queensland.)

Finger pointing aside, it was 80 minutes of edge-of-the-lounge action and I suspect the better team triumphed.