Jennings goes from Origin zero to hero

All is forgiven, Michael Jennings.

The besieged NSW centre capped one of the great comebacks by scoring the match-winning try in the Blues’ 18-14 State of Origin III triumph on Wednesday night at ANZ Stadium.

Jennings would have considered himself lucky to retain his spot as the Blues tried to salvage something after losing a 10th series in 11 years to Queensland.

In the NRL, Jennings has the Midas touch.

In game two for NSW this year, Jennings had the opposite.

Everything Jennings touched did not turn to gold, bombing two almost certain tries as the Blues succumbed 26-16 in game two in Brisbane.

Suddenly, the 28-year-old Jennings’ Origin career was at a crossroads.

Only something special in his 18th Origin it seemed would keep Jennings in the NSW mix for next year.

He left it late – but he made made it count.

Jennings crossed with 78 seconds left after a long James Tedesco run from a Blake Ferguson break, providing some consolation for his game-two shocker.

“To get that win is an awesome feeling,” said Jennings who made 127m and had one line break.

“I am grateful for the opportunity.

“I was fortunate enough to get there in the end.

“It means a lot – we’ll go into next year with a positive attitude.”

Queensland looked set for a fifth series whitewash when fullback Darius Boyd crossed in the 75th minute to give the visitors a 14-12 buffer.

However, Jennings went from zero to hero by crossing in the 79th minute in front of 61,267 mostly delirious NSW fans.

“It’s a miracle try,” Nine Network commentator and former NSW coach Phil Gould beamed.

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