New South Wales suffered a brutal blow early in the break as star defender James Tedesco was ruled out of the State of Origin series decider after suffering a brutal blow to the head while attempting a tackle.
The Blues were leading 18-4 and trying to stop Queensland’s attack when England’s Nikora, eager to get Queensland back on the scoreboard before the break, charged towards the NSW defense and butted heads with Tedesco.
James Tedesco butts heads with Briton Nikora. Nine
The NSW star was the second-best tackler, hitting the deck with full force. Nikora, on the other hand, continued to move forward towards Jack Bostock.
“Teddy is in trouble. He’s in real trouble,” New South Wales great Andrew Jones told Nine.
Queensland great Cameron Smith added: “He’s gone. This is a hard blow.
“This could have huge consequences for the game.”
Nikora stood over Tedesco for a moment before playing on and his reaction to the contact did not go down well with the NSW players, who tackled him after Queensland’s run was stopped by Jack Bostock.
Bostock showed no reaction to his opponent’s behavior as he returned to his feet despite taking an elbow to the face, but Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow pushed Nathan Cleary out of a tackle, sparking a melee.
Tabuai-Fidow found himself in the middle of a fiery mess, clinging to Hudson Young’s jersey as he continued to exchange words with his opponents.
Tedesco was assisted from behind while referee Ashley Klein worked to separate the players involved in the push.
New South Wales were then awarded a penalty due to Nikora using his forearm as a bumper and colliding with Bostock in the face.
Maroons captain Cameron Munster rudely awarded the penalty, but with just under a minute left before half-time, Klein was in no mood to discuss it.
At half-time, New South Wales confirmed Tedesco had failed a head injury assessment and would not return for the second half.
Laurie Daley chose Tolu Koula as her replacement.