LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
In an emotional display of support, the Queensland Maroons rallied around their coach, Billy Slater, as they celebrated his birthday with cake and a rendition of "Happy Birthday" before clinching a critical 26-24 victory over New South Wales in Perth.
Slater, a former Test and Origin star, faced immense pressure following NSW's convincing 18-6 win in the series opener-a result marking the Blues' third consecutive Origin victory for the first time since 2005-2006.
With the series hanging in the balance, Slater's position was tenuous; historically, no Queensland coach has survived losing two consecutive series.
However, the Maroons bounced back impressively, surging to a 26-6 halftime lead and successfully fending off a strong comeback from NSW.
This victory reinvigorates their hopes of reclaiming the State of Origin Shield in the upcoming match scheduled for July 9 in Sydney.