THE NRL will launch an investigation after Queensland lock Luke Bateman suffered a homophobic slur in a drama-charged finale to NSW’s thumping 30-8 under-20s Origin win.

The Baby Blues’ third straight under-20s Origin victory was marred by a NSW player calling Bateman a “f***ing gay c***” in a spirited affair at Penrith’s Sportingbet Stadium.

The incident occurred in the 74th minute, with Bateman abused by a Blues opponent after pushing a NSW teammate as a scrum was about to pack.

News_Image_File: Luke Bateman during the spiteful U20s State of Origin clash.

Referee Chris Sutton immediately looked at the NSW player in question, suggesting he heard the offensive remark.

The comment was clearly audible on Fox Sports’ live coverage of the code’s premier junior representative fixture and the NRL will move to identify the offender.

BLUES FORWARD HAD SWEAR WORD ON ARM

“Rugby league is an inclusive sport and any form of vilification is unacceptable,” an NRL spokesman said.

“We will work with both the state leagues to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.”

News_Image_File: The U20's State of Origin match was a heated affair.

NRL powerbrokers have previously adopted a hardline stance on racial slurs fired at former stars Dean Widders and Petero Civoniceva.

The barb typified a night of spite in the under-20 clash, with Blues prop Matthew Lodge and Maroons winger John Folau sin-binned for punching as first-half tensions spilled over.

But when the dust settled, the Blues dominated the Mini Maroons across the park, even keeping Anthony Milford quiet in a five-tries-to-two mauling.

News_Rich_Media: NSW coach Laurie Daley believes the Blues will benefit from having an experienced coaching staff and insists his side is well prepared to face Queensland.

Blues winger Jake Mamo stamped himself as a future Origin star, scoring a hat-trick to clinch the Darren Lockyer Medal as man-of-the-match.

Milford, however, endured a frustrating evening. It began in the 20th minute when he injured his knee as his body reeled backwards in a two-man NSW tackle.

News_Image_File: Sione Mata'Utia of the NSW is tackled by the QLD defence.

Replays of the incident looked nasty, but after hobbling for the next five minutes, Milford shook off the injury and managed to finish the contest.

The most decorated player on the field, Milford rarely saw open spaces and not even a brief shift to fullback could ignite his attacking gifts.

News_Image_File: Matt Lodge was caught with a abusive term written on his arm strapping.

The Blues bolted out of the blocks, with Tyrone Phillips and Mamo giving NSW a 12-0 lead inside 13 minutes.

Folau reduced the half-time deficit to 18-4, but when Mamo posted his third try in the 66th minute, the Blues cruised home to keep Queensland winless at under-20s level.

Originally published as Homophobic slur in Blues’ U20s Origin win