Queensland win

the Queensland spine dominated field position and went ahead through a Ponga try before Hunt iced the game and the series.

Earlier, a late Kurt Capewell try, off a trick-play short kick from Harry Grant, gave Queensland a sniff entering the sheds at halftime after the Blues had all the running in a mad first 40 minutes.

Blues backrower Cameron Murray was the first concussion casualty, clashing heads with Corey Oates on Queensland’s first tackle.

Selywn Cobbo followed him less than a minute later, the Queensland winger lying prone after some friendly fire in another tackle and leaving the ground in a neck brace.

Lindsay Collins completed the trifecta and left Queensland with just two on the bench, the prop copping a stray Daniel Tupou elbow after he had rebounded out of a fierce Tom Gilbert tackle.

NSW centre Burton, a clear target for some Maroons’ physicality, almost joined them when a swinging Tino Fa’asuamaleaui arm collected him across the chin.

Two scuffles broke out before some rugby league finally took hold, Jeremiah Nanai producing several brilliant touches and Dearden putting on the game’s first try.

His short ball for Valentine Holmes capped 13 minutes of madness, the crowd finally able to take a breath as Holmes converted his own try.

Tired legs hit Queensland though, Cleary targeting the ruck then kicking for Jarome Luai to calmly plant the ball.

Debutant Jacob Saifiti then capped a superb half with a bullocking try of his own. Capewell’s try gave Queensland a sniff before the fireworks to begin the second half paved the way for another Maroons miracle.

Blues fullback and captain James Tedesco was almost flawless but he and coach Brad Fittler lamented a series of unforced errors – and praised a timely Ben Hunt 40-20 – in copping the loss.