The Maroons confounded the experts again with a stunning performance in hostile territory in the decider, leaving Blues fans heartbroken by clinching the series 2-1 with a 24-12 game three victory.
Once again a NSW side that came into the contest as heavy favourites flattered to deceive.
Blues coach Laurie Daley has now lost five of his six Origin series at the helm but which of his players disappointed him most?
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The Mole runs the rule over all 34 players who entered the contest to identify the studs and duds.
NSW BLUES
1. Dylan Edwards
Probably the best of a bad Blues lot, running for a mammoth 272 metres and setting up a try.
Rating: 8
2. Brian To’o
Emulated Edwards in run metres and scored a determined try – one of the few Blues to play anywhere near his best.
Rating: 7.5
3. Stephen Crichton
Scored the Blues’ first try and made a line break but still well below his dynamic best.
Rating: 7
4. Latrell Mitchell
Tried hard with his running game, clocking up nearly 200 metres, but couldn’t come up with any major plays.
Rating: 6
5. Zac Lomax
A mixed bag – a bad miss that allowed Queensland’s first try, some good runs and two from two with his much criticised goalkicking.
Rating: 5.5
6. Jarome Luai
Tried to spark a lethargic Blues team but only succeeded at the death to create a late try for To’o.
Rating: 6
7. Nathan Cleary
Came up with possibly his worst Origin game, failing to trouble the Maroons defence at all. Maybe his groin held him back.
Rating: 5.5
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8. Max King
Only five runs for 36 metres – not up to Origin standard and should not have been there.
Rating: 4
9. Reece Robson
Busy in defence but doesn’t offer enough in attack. The Blues need to find a foil for Harry Grant next year or they will go down again.
Rating: 5
10. Payne Haas
Ran for 115 metres but looked like his back injury was holding him back from his dynamic best.
Rating: 6.5
11. Liam Martin
Strangely quiet in attack with just five runs for 55 metres – well down on his best.
Rating: 5
12. Angus Crichton
One of the busier Blues forwards in attack but came up with a game high six missed tackles.
Rating: 5.5
13. Isaah Yeo
The Blues’ woeful attack game him little to work with as the link between the forwards and the back – largely ineffective.
Rating: 6
14. Connor Watson
Lifted the intensity when he came on the field and ran from dummy half – but the game was already lost.
Rating: 6
15. Spencer Leniu
Brought some aggression from the bench and was one of the few Blues forwards to stand up to the Maroons onslaught.
Rating: 7
16. Hudson Young
Tried hard in his 28 minutes of game time but it was too little, too late for the Blues.
Rating: 5
17. Stefano Utoikamanu
Five runs for 50 metres, none of which hurt the Maroons. Another bloke who should never have been there.
Rating: 4
QUEENSLAND MAROONS
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Three Origins, three different positions – and starred in every one. Superb at the back in all aspects.
Rating: 8.5
2. Xavier Coates
Got one chance with the ball and nailed it – and safe under the high ball in defence.
Rating: 7
3. Robert Toia
Won his battle with Latrell and after his first series, looks set to be a 10-year Origin player.
Rating: 7.5
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
No nerves at all from debutant who handled Stephen Crichton with ease, coming up with a try assist and some good bursts.
Rating: 7
5. Valentine Holmes
Ran the ball back strongly for over 120 metres – got few chances in attack in decent field position.
Rating: 6.5
6. Cameron Munster
After the worst week of his life, the Maroons skipper had a quiet game but led the team well.
Rating: 7
7. Tom Dearden
Sensational performance from the man who is now the King of Queensland – two tries and some wonderful last-ditch defence.
Rating: 9
8. Josh Papali’i
Did the job Billy Slater brought him in for, calming the young Maroons forwards and leading the way in the early stages.
Rating: 7
9. Harry Grant
Way too smart for the Blues attack from dummy-half, scoring a try and getting his team on the front foot.
Rating: 8
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
The best prop on the field, running for over 100 metres and rattling the cages of the Blues’ big men.
Rating: 8
11. Reuben Cotter
Never stopped in attack or defence in a fine 80 minute effort. Way too busy for the Blues.
Rating: 7.5
Reuben Cotter is embraced by Maroons coach Billy Slater. Getty
12. Kurt Capewell
One of the less effective Maroons on the night, making just 77 metres from 10 runs but earned his pay in defence.
Rating: 6
13. Trent Loiero
Produced the same form he shows week in, week out for the Storm to justify his selection for his maiden series.
Rating: 7
14. Kurt Mann
Never got into the game with just four runs for 48 metres but still made a contribution over the series.
Rating: 5
15. Lindsay Collins
Strong and tough when he got his chance in the middle, ensuring the Maroons maintained their advantage up front.
Rating: 6
16. Patrick Carrigan
The best of the bench players, running for nearly 150 metres in just 35 minutes of game time.
Rating: 8
17. Jeremiah Nanai
Only got four minutes in a somewhat surprising move from Slater – but hey, it all worked!
Rating: 2
