NSW begins the match strongly, scoring two tries within the first 20 minutes and taking an early 10-point lead. That fast start positions the Blues as favourites in the contest, giving them what is described as a potential route toward the Origin shield. However, the coverage from multiple outlets focuses on how the game changes after that early period. The narrative is that NSW’s advantage does not hold, and the balance swings away from them once the initial burst passes. The articles collectively indicate that after building a solid cushion early on, NSW’s momentum fades and the outcome becomes more uncertain. While the sources provided do not include further play-by-play details, they consistently frame the match as one where an early lead and strong opening look decisive, but subsequent developments undermine NSW’s advantage. Overall, the reports emphasize the contrast between NSW’s promising start and the later shift in fortunes that ultimately makes the “shortcut” to the Origin shield less straightforward than it appeared at the 20-minute mark.