NSW rebounded from a game one defeat with a crushing 38-6 victory over Queensland at Perth's Optus Stadium to keep the series alive.
Coach Brad Fittler's brave decision to make mass changes paid dividends with five-eighth James Maloney and previously injured outside back Tom Trbojevic starring on Blues return.
Read on to see how Sporting News rated each player.
JAMES TEDESCO - 8.5/10
Origin I rating: 9
Very rarely plays a bad game. Showed why he was named vice-captain with another sterling effort.
BLAKE FERGUSON – 7
Origin I rating: N/A
Helped get the Blues' sets rolling with his customary bustling carries. Repaid Fittler's faith.
TOM TRBOJEVIC – 10
Origin I rating: N/A
A genuine superstar at just 22 years old. The hat-trick hero erased any concerns about his capabilities at centre with a five-star showing.
JACK WIGHTON – 7
Origin I rating: 4
Started the match like a house on fire and didn't let anyone down throughout the 80 minutes. Gave his all and defended stoutly.
JOSH ADDO-CARR – 8.5
Origin I rating: 5
Ripped the Maroons to shreds in the second half. You can't put a price on blistering speed.
JAMES MALONEY – 9
Origin I rating: N/A
Outstanding. A few errors sprinkled into his performance, as always, but provided the direction and playmaking instincts that were sorely missed in game one.
NATHAN CLEARY – 6
Origin I rating: 5.5
Ankle injury stopped him from playing the second half. Defended well as usual and was solid if not spectacular in attack during his 40 minutes.
DANIEL SAIFITI - 7
Origin I rating: N/A
Plenty of eyebrows were raised at his selection but the big fella did what was required, running for more than 100 metres. Showed his intent from the outset.
DAMIEN COOK - 7.5
Origin I rating: 8.5
Like Tedesco, Cook hardly ever disappoints. Not his most explosive game but the rake was always scheming and tackling his heart out.
JAKE TRBOJEVIC - 9
Origin I rating: 8
The side's best forward. Herculean display to power through 73 minutes straight. Ran for 162 metres and made 30 tackles with no misses.
BOYD CORDNER - 7.5
Origin I rating: 6
A true captain's knock. Played strong, done good.
TYSON FRIZELL - 8
Origin I rating: 6
Went into beast mode tonight. Terrific aggression on both sides of the ball.
DALE FINUCANE - 7.5
Origin I rating: N/A
Built for Origin. A wise decision to start him at lock.
PAUL VAUGHAN - 7
Origin I rating: 6.5
Great impact from the bench, running for more than 100 metres.
TARIQ SIMS - 6.5
Origin I rating: N/A
Played his role well. Kept the momentum going when he came on the field.
CAMERON MURRAY - 7
Origin I rating: 8/10
The result was all but sewn up when he was injected but still made his presence felt.
WADE GRAHAM - 8
Origin I rating: N/A
A masterstroke to pick him only two games back from a knee injury. So silky and versatile, slipped into the halves seamlessly in the second half.