Queensland have retained the State of Origin shield in impressive fashion. They defeated the Blues 32-6 in a game which was built on their defence and effort - rather, it was an effort which typified a Queensland team.
It was a game that was intense from the opening exchanges. The contact was tough and willing early. Blues were dealt an early blow when Tom Trbojevic injured his pectoral muscle trying to make a tackle.
Queensland were on the backfoot for much of the half with took their chances. A high kick was knocked on from Josh Addo-Carr and Valentine Holmes swooped on the ball after confirmation from the video referee for 4-0.
The Blues started to get some time in the attacking zone. They were clunky in their execution, Damien Cook was stunted on the left side and was forced into a few errors.
As both teams tired, there were gaps. Stephen Crichton snaffled a Queensland kick and almost went the length before being tackled by Daly Cherry-Evans. The veteran Queenslander sliced through minutes later and helped his side to another try.
Queensland stripped the numbers on the left following the break then quick passes from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow saw Murray Taulagi go over almost untouched. Holmes converted to make it 10-0.
The Blues once again had some late chances but again, the attack couldn't find their rhythm. It was epitomised with Reece Robson on the final play of the half being tackled without the visitors firing a final shot.
Origin is about taking your chances. Queensland did that right after the break. Reece Walsh broke free and got them position then on fourth tackle, Holmes once again dives over.
The hosts just had it on a string. Munster started a raid on last tackle which saw Taulagi put in a pinpoint kick for Tabaui-Fidow to beat a trailing Payne Haas to the ball for a 20-0 lead.
Blues got on the board just before the hour mark. The ball hit the ground from a short pass and Damien Cook scooped the ball up to get over. Crichton converted to make it 20-6.
The Maroons just absorbed all the Blues pressure and struck. Blues had several raids on their line following the Cook four-pointer but weren't able to crack the line and set up a grandstand finish.
Queensland trapped Cook in-goal and struck. Some slick passing once again on the right saw Xavier Coates fly in the air and touch down inside the corner post and make it 26-6.
There was more icing on the cake for the Queenslanders. Cameron Munster put the kick high, got it into a contest, then Jeremiah Nanai is there to pick up the spoils for the hosts.
The game ended in comical fashion. The Blues were clowned at the end. Josh Addo-Carr was sin binned for a punch while Panthers Jarome Luai was sent off for his involvement in the action. For Queensland, Reece Walsh was sent off for a headbutt.
MATCH REVIEW
Reece Walsh was charged twice from the match - Grade 2 Striking (23-33% of match fees) and Grade 1 Dangerous contact (7-10% of match fees)
Josh Addo-Carr (Grade 1 Striking 10-13% of match fees) and Jarome Luai (Grade 2 Striking 23-33% of match fees) were both also charges.
No players are facing suspension.
Reece Walsh (QLD)
Grade 1 Dangerous Contact, 54' on Jarome Luai
1st offence
Guilty at panel 10% of match fees
Early guilty plea 7% of match fees
PLEA: TBC
Reece Walsh (QLD)
Grade 2 Striking, 80' on Jarome Luai
1st offence
Guilty at panel 33% of match fees
Early guilty plea 23% of match fees
PLEA: TBC
Josh Addo-Carr (NSW)
Grade 1 Striking, 80' on Reece Walsh
1st offence
Guilty at panel 13% of match fees
Early guilty plea 10% of match fees
PLEA: TBC
Jarome Luai (NSW)
Grade 2 Striking, 90' on Reece Walsh
1st offence
Guilty at panel 33% of match fees
Early guilty plea 23% of match fees
PLEA: TBC