LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
State of Origin is heading to a decider in Sydney after the Maroons pulled off a thrilling 26-24 victory against the Blues in Perth, following a rough patch.
Queensland's response, after being outclassed in the series opener and seeing captain Daly Cherry-Evans dropped, was a classic show of resilience.
They took a commanding 20-point lead at halftime, bolstered by an 8-0 penalty count.
Despite this, the Blues adjusted their strategy, focusing on attacking the left edge.
Brian To'o notably excelled, scoring a hat-trick and amassing 203 running meters.
Although New South Wales finished with more tries than Queensland, they suffered from off-target kicking, with Zac Lomax missing three conversions and a critical two-point field goal attempt just before halftime.
As the match progressed, NSW appeared to have momentum, yet two crucial errors in the final moments allowed the Maroons to hang on for the win.
Cameron Munster, in his new role as captain, made significant contributions, scoring a try and leading effectively on the field.
This intense match was a fierce testament to both teams' capabilities, setting up an exhilarating final showdown.