State of Origin: Mitchell Pearce and Anthony Milford leave field after huge collisions

NSW half Mitchell Pearce has been escorted from the field during Game 1 of the State of Origin series after copping a shoulder to the jaw from Maroons centre Will Chambers.

It became immediately obvious that Pearce was in trouble, with the Blues playmaker lying prone on the surface for some minutes after the impact.

He was followed by Queensland half Anthony Milford, who also hit the turf after a collision with Queensland teammate Corey Oates. 

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Both halves underwent a head injury assessment, with neither player allowed to return to the field for the rest of the match

Channel Nine commentator made the observation that Pearce was having one of his best games in a Blues jumper.

"This is a huge moment in the game," Sterling said. 

With both halves out, there's little doubt Sterling is right.

NSW would score shortly after, with Andrew Fifita crossing after the Blues forced and error making the score 24-4.

State of Origin is live and exclusive on Channel Nine.