Cody Walker's selection for game three has paid off in spades with the 33-year-old name best afield in NSW's game three win to savour something from the 2023 State of Origin series.

The Blues scored three of their four tries on the left edge with Walker dictating that side of play from the halves.

While Queensland faced selection headaches of their own, who would slot into NSW's halves pairing dominated conversations in the lead up to games two and three.

Ahead of the Blues entering their camp last week, Walker was named to make his first Origin appearance since 2020 and replace Penrith mainstay at no.6 Jarome Luai in a major shake up of the side.

Second only to North Queensland fullback and Wiradjuri man Scott Drinkwater for try assists across the 2023 NRL season, Walker repaid the faith by leading his side's scoring on Wednesday night.

"They (Queensland) were torn to shreds, by Cody in particular," Blues selector and Channel 9 commentator Andrew Johns said after the match.

"He was just fantastic tonight. By a clear margin, the best player on the field.

"He's just one of of these players that just seems to have so much time with the ball and no matter whether it's rushing defence coming at him, defence backing away from him, he just knows the right place to come up with the right person to hit."

Walker ran for 66 metres, made three tackle breaks, threw 36 passes and stuck 18 tackles in the effort.

Debutant Bradman Best was the beneficiary of Walker's work in both of his two tries.

With his second, Best celebrated in dance with Blues winger Josh Addo-Carr.

Bradman at his Best! 🔥#Origin pic.twitter.com/hCwMWR7iWz

— NRL (@NRL) July 12, 2023

The 21-year-old is currently on a journey to discovering more of his Aboriginal heritage.

Earlier this year the Daily Telegraph reported the 21 year old had "goosebumps" upon learning about his family history after the death of a family member.

Best's great grandmother Mary Anne Blacklock was a member of the Stolen Generations.

Addo-Carr left the ground moments before full time with a hamstring complaint to worry Bulldogs fans.

Torres Strait Islander man Reuben Cotter was presented with the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series, backing up his imposing game one appearance in Adelaide - where he was named player of the match, and an impressive showing while Queensland wrapped up the shield in Brisbane last month.

Fellow Torres Strait Islander Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow crossed for four tries over the three games after himself being the centre of controversy reshaping the Maroons' wide setup with veteran Dane Gagai ousted before the opener.

Queensland lifted the State of Origin shield for a second consecutive series win in Sydney on Wednesday.