Queensland hung on to beat New South Wales and save themselves from a first State of Origin whitewash since 2000.
The Maroons' performance showed just how hard it is to take a clean sweep in Origin, fighting for every inch on the Gold Coast to take the win 20-18.
Latrell Mitchell had a long distance penalty fall short of the posts that could have sent the game into extra time, but it was not to be.
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It had been Mitchell who made the difference early one, stepping through his Souths teammate for the opening try after Valentine Holmes had opened the scoring with a penalty goal.
While Queensland had folded in the previous two efforts, they would not this time: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow grabbed a debut try to hit back, capitalising on some strong play from Cameron Munster.
Though they led 8-6 at the break, it was not all good news for Queensland: Holmes was taken off injured and would not return.
Early in the second half, it seemed over again. Jack Wighton stepped inside more questionable defence on the left edge to restore the Blues lead.
It was then that Ben Hunt made his heroic entrance. The Dragons half, repurposed at hooker in Origin, stopped Mitchell in his tracks at one end, before burrowing over at the other.
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Moments later, on the back of a strong Kalyn Ponga break, Hunt crossed again to put his side eight in front.
While Api Koroisau would grab a debut try to force the late finish, it would not be enough.
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