The Eastern State Blues walked away with game one in the bag beating Western State Maroons 10-8 during the Pherrus Vanua State of Origin opener at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.
The Blues scored a try through Ilisavani Jegesa with centre Jone Nabetelevu adding the conversion and two penalties.
Maroons impact substitute centre Meli Nabura scored the side’s only try with stand-off Kelemedi Waqa adding the conversion and a penalty.
Blues coach Vulaono Dakuitoga commended his players for a well-fought game despite the tough opposition.
“We knew the West team had a lot of firepower and tested our boys throughout,” Dakuitoga said.
“We dug deep and got the win.”
Teams
Maroons line-up:
1. Vereti Peceli
2. Simon Wise
3. Tomasi Vunicagi
4. Ilami Susu
5. Ilai Nareki
6. Netava Nayacalevu
7. Kelemedi Waqa
8. Tikiko Noke
9. Naibuka Tuitakali
10. Savenaca Naovuka
11. Maika Serulevu
12. Malakai Kovekalou
13. Rusiate Ratu
Reserves:
14. Nemia Nawave
15. Apolosi Tuiloma
16. Meli Nabura
17. Inia Toka
Blues line-up:
1. Ropate Tobe
2. Jone Turaga Nabetelevu
3. Pio Seci
4. Inoke Vasuturaga
5. Josua Camaisala
6. Jason Tigarea
7. Waisale Vesikula
8. Epeli Uluinavucu
9. Penaia Leveleve
10. Apakuki Tavodi(C)
11. Eparama Rabuni
12. Jovilisi Natoya
13. Joasa Drodrolagi
Reserves:
14. Esaroma Melo
15. Anisito Komai
16. Ilisavani Jegesa
17. Mosese Qionimacawa
