NSW wins classic match

Andrew Johns got a kiss from his coach Phil Gould after a dominant performance as New South Wales won the opening State of Origin rugby league match against Queensland in Brisbane.

Johns created three tries, scored one himself, kicked four goals and added a spirit-sapping field goal in a superb all-round performance. Afterwards Gould showed his delight by kissing the Blues skipper.

Also starring for the Blues were debutants Craig Wing and Anthony Minichello, who scored two tries.

Queensland skipper Gorden Tallis says his injury-struck team ran out of gas in the final quarter. The injury toll was high for the Maroons, with Justin Hodges, Paul Bowman and Chris Flannery all in doubt for the second match in Sydney in two weeks.