41 Victors simply wanted it more

WHEN the blame game finishes and the hangovers subside something will become clear – Queensland cares more about State of Origin than New South Wales.

That is the only way to describe the Miracle in Milton last night when the Maroons pulled off a 22- 6 win to clinch a third straight series.

Queensland had every reason to lose this series.

Retiring legend Johnathan Thurston missed two games, including last night’s decider in front of a record crowd of 52,540 at Suncorp Stadium.

Joining Thurston on the sidelines were Darius Boyd, Matt Scott and Greg Inglis – three Origin legends and certain selections.

The Blues pulled off a clinical 28- 4 win in Game One prompting Maroons coach Kevin Walters to wield the selection axe.

Queensland blooded eight Origin debutants and used 26 players. The Blues had the same team in every game, consistency that hasn’t been achieved since 1996.

The last time Queensland underwent such a dramatic overhaul was in 2006 – the year Mal Meninga took over following three consecutive series losses.

Everything pointed to a NSW victory. Everything except the intangibles.

Queensland ran faster and tackled harder.

There was no player that walked off the field wondering if they could have done something better.

No Maroon will wake up this morning, if they even went to sleep last night, with a feeling of regret.

It has been mantra forever.

For a long time Queensland didn’t have the players to match the Blues consistently but never went down without a fight. the Maroons