1. Blues on the brink of history

NSW produced one of the greatest defensive displays in the history of Origin, while displaying confidence and composure not seen since the ‘Joey’ Johns era. After claiming a series opener in Brisbane for the first time in 11 years, the Blues deservedly head back to Sydney with one hand on the shield.

2. Game 100 lived up to the hype

Rugged and relentless, with flashes of brilliance, plenty of fire and drama, and a pulsating finish, State of Origin brought up its century in the style that has made the concept such a runaway success. Another classic.

3. Queensland Cronk-ed

The Maroons have been fortunate to rarely lose any of their superstars mid-game in recent years, but they were clearly rocked by the loss of Cooper Cronk with a broken arm inside 10 minutes. Replacement Daly Cherry-Evans, arguably the game’s best No.7, was initially like a deer in the headlights at his first chance in the hot-seat.

4. Interstate hate is alive and well

Brimming with spite, niggle and ferocity on both sides of the ball, Australian sport’s greatest rivalry proved it is as bitter as ever.

5. Paul Gallen is NSW’s greatest Origin forward

Another superhuman, courageous captain’s knock from the code’s undisputed ironman. Overshadowed Queensland counterpart Corey Parker.

6. Jarryd Hayne was phenomenal …

Andrew Johns said pre-game if NSW was to win, Hayne had to be man-of-the-match – and he was unquestionably the best afield. Set up the first try, powered over for the second and was magnificent under pressure at the back.

Jarryd Hayne somehow manages to get the ball over the try-line. Photo: Getty

Billy Slater was magnificent in defeat. Photo: Getty

7. … but Billy Slater wasn’t far behind

If Queensland had got home, Hayne’s opposing No.1 would have taken the best-on-ground gong. Easily the Maroons’ most dangerous ball-runner, Slater has put his rough early-season form trot well behind him.

8. Blues got it right with their halves pairing

Josh Reynolds was typically terrier-like in a brilliant maiden starting appearance, while Trent Hodkinson was solid and poised – his debut was probably better than 11 of Mitchell Pearce’s 12 Origin outings.

9. Familiarity breeds … tries

Queensland’s try in the opening stages – finished off by Darius Boyd after a sweeping backline movement from a scrum win – could have been plucked from the highlights reel of any of the last five series.

10. Queensland is facing the biggest test of its reign

The Maroons’ structures went out the window after Cronk departed, with pushed passes and impatience the order of the night for the eight-time champs. Queensland will head to Sydney to save the series – potentially as underdogs.