*Destructive Dearden seals Queensland's Shield
It was only fitting Queensland halfback Dearden sealed the series for his side after a virtuoso display. Minutes from time he dummied, then burst through a tired NSW defensive line and triggered bulk celebrations. His double truly completed his ascent to the Maroons' No.7 jersey after replacing former captain Daly Cherry-Evans mid-series.
*Stellar defence denies Blues momentum
Dearden delivered on both sides of the ball, with a desperate run across the field denying surging winger Brian To'o from scoring when the Blues were yet to get on the board. Whenever Queensland needed a defensive hero, the young halfback was on the spot in a display that epitomised Origin effort.
*Surprise debutant nails his moment
Some questioned the selection of Gehamat Shibasaki, but the Maroons centre looked every bit the seasoned Origin pro neatly dancing around NSW winger Zac Lomax to put Xavier Coates in for the opening try. It was Lomax who appeared the rookie after badly missing a wild attempt to level Shibasaki in leaving the defensive line.
*Hammer puts a nail in NSW's coffin
A barraging Angus Crichton looked certain to score off a no-look Jarome Luai ball and finally get his side on the board early in the second half. But he couldn't get through the much smaller Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who stepped into his new fullback role, won the contact and denied a crucial try.
*Blues fall deeper into the hole
Queensland looked to have made their first error for the match on 36 minutes, only for a successful video review to find a questionable obstruction penalty on NSW's Reece Robson. They took full advantage as hooker Harry Grant burrowed his way through soft defending to build a 20-point lead on halftime.
*Loose Luai kicking gets Queensland on front foot
NSW got the jump and looked dangerous in the opening minutes, but didn't back that up with points. They were not helped by a wayward fifth-tackle kick from playmaker Jarome Luai, easily caught in-goal by winger Valentine Holmes. The momentum swung and the Maroons leapt out to their 20-0 lead.
