New South Wales fell to an inspired Queensland side 22-12 on Wednesday night.
In what is sure to be an Origin classic, the Blues couldn't hold onto a narrow half-time lead, ultimately overpowered by a fired-up Maroons outfit.
Here's who stood out and struggled in New South Wales' loss...
1. James Tedesco (c) - 8
Reliable, tireless and influential. It was a typical captain's performance from Tedesco, racking up a remarkable 285 run metres.
He was a little lost for Queensland's second try but contributed with numerous other strong defensive plays.
2. Brian To'o - 5.5
Had a quiet first half, and couldn't scramble quickly enough to deal with a deflection and stop Capewell's try.
Made some strong runs in attack, but was also overly excited at times in defence.
3. Matt Burton - 5
Threw punches during his confrontation with Dane Gagai, but his sin-bin had little impact on the team with both players sent from the field.
Outside of that incident, he was far quieter compared to Game II but kicked two outrageous swirling bombs.
4. Stephen Crichton - 5.5
The Panthers centre offered some solid carries and contributed defensively, but flew in too early for Queensland's first try.
His decision to offload metres out from his own try line was definitely a lowlight, gifting Queensland possession again via a drop-out.
5. Daniel Tupou - 5
Appeared lethargic for most parts of the match and wasn't required in many aerial duals.
Unfortunately, he'll be remembered in this match for a dropped ball at end of the first half, handing the momentum back to the Maroons and ultimately leading to a try.
6. Jarome Luai - 6.5
Was zippy and creative in the first half - also scoring via a composed put-down - but quietened in the second half.
An overly-audacious pass to Siosifa Talakai on the wing was a poor play that shifted the momentum of the match towards Queensland.
7. Nathan Cleary - 7
Gave a typically reliable performance from halfback with a good kicking game.
Didn't break the match open as much as we've come to expect, but his creative grubber in the first half nearly created a try for the Blues.
10. Jake Trbojevic - 6.5
The veteran was everywhere this match and gave 100% effort, as usual.
Had a little concentration lapse when he gave away an obstruction in the second half and was part of a Blues defence that simply couldn't keep up with a rampant Maroons side.
9. Api Koroisau - 7
Nearly scored a try in the first half, but couldn't wrap himself around the post (and was later deemed to be offside).
Was key to the Blues' first half momentum, however, his influence was limited later in the match.
16. Junior Paulo - 7.5
A mixed performance from the big man, Paulo provided some moments of pure physicality.
His knock-on in the second half when the Blues were struggling to get into the game was far from ideal.
11. Cameron Murray - N/A
Copped a head knock in the opening minute and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
12. Liam Martin - 7
Was very solid defensively and able to bounce off tackles well in defence.
Played 80 minutes and never really slowed down despite the Queensland ambush late on.
13. Isaah Yeo - 7
Yeo was almost an honorary member of the halves this match, contributing with a number of attacking-minded passes in the middle of the field.
Defensively, he never stopped and seemed to be everywhere.
INTERCHANGE
8. Jacob Saifiti - 8
It was an incredible debut from Saifiti, rolling over the Maroons defence in his first carry and going on to make 137 run metres.
His try was well deserved, with a play-the-ball error his only major mistake.
14. Damien Cook - 7
Looked immediately dangerous when he came on in the second half.
No scoring plays came from his efforts, but he provided a spark whilst the Blues were tiring.
15. Angus Crichton - 7
Came on early to replace Cameron Murray and looked up for the challenge.
He fitted in quickly and provided some great physicality, despite slowing down (like the rest of the team) later in the match.
17. Siosifa Talakai - 6
Talakai's performance had a bit of everything, despite only playing 23 minutes.
Showed great effort to force a Queensland error early on, but then struggled to deal with Ponga for Queensland's third try.
