NSW have snagged the 2018 State of Origin series after a thrilling win in game II of the series on Sunday night.
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The Blue led the match at halftime 12-10, and went on the seal the victory by four points at the full-time buzzer, 18-14.
Queensland started brightly, the Sydney Morning Herald reported as the teams headed to the sheds, and had been the better team for the most part, but one lapse in concentration by Dane Gagai and one by Ben Hunt had left them trailing.
The first game of the series was billed as the start of a new era in State of Origin.
And while Queensland showed signs of life after the Big Three, the Maroons' days of dominance may be numbered after a rookie NSW claimed the series opener 22-12 at the MCG.
The Baby Blues - boasting 11 debutants - came of age against a Maroons side without retired greats, ex-skipper Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk, in front of 87,122 fans.
NSW were the greenest Origin side in 37 years after unveiling an unprecedented list of debutants under rookie coach Brad Fittler.
But what they lacked in experience they made up with their much vaunted backline firepower led by a man of the match performance by fullback James Tedesco who scored the opening try.
"They're the future of our game and they nailed their first big opportunity," Fittler said.
"I don't think Queensland will be in that position again what went wrong with their camps, blokes pulling out.
"I don't think we'll have a chance to play a team so underdone again."
