The NSW blues have claimed the opening match of the State of Origin series for 2026 - but only just. After 20 minutes the Blues were down 20-0 and the game seemed over, but after Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off for a shoulder charge in the second half, the Blues pulled off one of their greatest comebacks and escapes of all time.

But should Kalyn Ponga have been sent off or did he only deserve 10 minutes in the sin bin?

And did the best team actually win?

This week, national sports editor Neil Breen and rugby league reporter Christian Nicolussi with Zac Bailey from Nine News break down Origin game 1 and bring you the latest insight from the NRL.

Read Christian Nicolussi's analysis here.

The NSW blues have claimed the opening match of the State of Origin series for 2026 - but only just. After 20 minutes the Blues were down 20-0 and the game seemed over, but after Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off for a shoulder charge in the second half, the Blues pulled off one of their greatest comebacks and escapes of all time. But should Kalyn Ponga have been sent off or did he only deserve 10 minutes in the sin bin? And did the best team actually win? This week, national sports editor Neil Breen and rugby league reporter Christian Nicolussi with Zac Bailey from Nine News break down Origin game 1 and bring you the latest insight from the NRL. Read Christian Nicolussi's analysis <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/why-origin-referee-was-entitled-to-ignore-the-bunker-and-send-off-kalyn-ponga-20260528-p601hf.html">here.</a>

From newsroom of The Sydney Morning Herald, NRL podcast 40/20 gives you press pass access to the latest news, controversies and performances in the rugby league calendar. Each week, hear the best analysis in the business from Neil Breen, Christian Nicolussi, Channel Nine's Zac Bailey and a host of guest stars.

Follow, and review our show on Apple or Spotify, and for all the latest sports news, go to smh.com.au.

From newsroom of The Sydney Morning Herald,&nbsp;NRL podcast 40/20 gives you press pass access to the&nbsp;latest news, controversies and performances in the rugby league calendar. Each week, hear the best analysis in the business from Neil Breen, Christian Nicolussi, Channel Nine's Zac Bailey and a host of guest stars.
Follow, and review our show on Apple or Spotify, and for all the latest sports news, go to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl">smh.com.au.</a>