It was Beetson who created the legend of State of Origin back in 1980.
And at the same ground where Beetson inspired Queensland 37 years ago, Fifita was commanding, creative and bullish in NSW’s 28-4 win.
Fifita was named man of the match just ahead of fullback James Tedesco.
“He has his best game when he’s thinking ‘run’. Then the offload comes in,” Blues and Cronulla teammate James Maloney said.
Fifita scored a try and was a dominant figure in two others. He was powerful and strong — just like Beetson, who like Fifita, was indigenous.
Fifita had a host of star teammates including Boyd Cordner, Maloney and Tedesco, who ran for more than 200 metres.
Tedesco is some player. He had a superb second half.
Eight NSW players ran for more than 100 metres.
The brilliant Blues are now one-up in a series they could secure in game two at ANZ Stadium on June 21.
