Panthers trio solid in NSW Residents victory

A dominant first half from the NSW Residents has set up a crushing 36-20 victory over Queensland Residents in the Origin curtain-raiser at ANZ Stadium.

Newtown halfback Kyle Flanagan gave NSW the perfect start when he touched down after six minutes, before back-rower Dean Britt grabbed a double in quick succession to give the Blues a commanding 18-0 lead.

Queensland had their chances to hit back but were punished for their inability to convert as Western Suburbs prop Luke Garner crashed over to extend the NSW lead before Sean O'Sullivan capped off a dream first half with a four-pointer to make it 30-0.

Queensland needed to be first to score in the second half and did so through Townsville's Kalifa Faifai-Loa but NSW Residents went further ahead in the 53rd minute when Tony Satini reached out for a try to kill off any chance of a miracle comeback.

The Maroons lost Burleigh hooker Pat Politoni to injury in the second half to further add to their woes.

Blake Leary and Scott Drinkwater got their name on the score sheet late in the match as Queensland added some respectability but the damage had been well and truly done.