Queensland has stunned New South Wales 20-18 in State of Origin Game III on the Gold Coast, denying the Blues a historic series sweep.
A second-half double from Ben Hunt and some stunning, resolute defence in the final ten minutes kept the Blues at bay in a vastly improved performance from the Maroons.
The Blues were missing their star halves pairing of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai.
Queensland opened the scoring thanks to the boot of Valentine Holmes, but it was the Blues who crossed the line first.
Latrell Mitchell, at his brilliant best, as he had been all series, scooted over after a flowing Blues move out to the left, which saw the Rabbitohs man step inside club teammate, Dane Gagai to go over untouched.
The Maroons hit back almost instantly through debutant Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
The Cowboys flier was sent over by Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who burst through a gap after a lovely run from dummy half by Cameron Munster, offloading to Tabuai-Fidow, who dived over unopposed.
The Blues were perhaps fortunate to only go into the sheds two points down after some sensational goal-line defence, with Queensland camped on their line after the Blues gave away repeat penalties.
Having weathered that storm at the end of the first half though, the Blues struck first in the second period, Jack Wighton bullying his way over to hand NSW the lead.
However, Hunt, who had been superb for Queensland since being overlooked for the opening game of the series, scored twice to hand the Maroons an eight-point lead.
Apisai Koroisau crossed with little over ten minutes to go to set up a grandstand finish as the Blues repeatedly pounded on the Maroons line, only to be thwarted time and time again.
Mitchell almost sent the game to a golden point with a long-range penalty in the final minute, but his booming kick fell just short, handing the Maroons the ball, and the victory.
[Source: Abc.net.au]
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