Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow's ability to find the line has led Queensland to a thrilling 26-24 triumph over New South Wales to level rugby league's State of Origin series at 1-1.

The Torres Strait Islander, who coach Billy Slater moved right from the midfield to the wing for the must-win contest in Perth on Wednesday night, scored two tries inside seven minutes to instigate a 26-point run which handed the Maroons an invaluable 20-point advantage at half-time.

"I was in a try-scoring drought so just to get over to there (try line), especially at this arena, was pretty special and it was a good feeling," a satisfied Tabuai-Fidow told Nine following the match.

By the final whistle, Tabuai-Fidow was relieved to hold off the charging Blues amid a fierce second half fightback, which would have been the biggest comeback from a half-time deficit in State of Origin history had they won.

"You could see the Blues, they nearly got through, but late we backed our defence," he said.

"It was just sticking together when they did score ... and to play our brand of footy that we know how to play."

Tabuai-Fidow's performance overshadowed the efforts of Blues winger Brian To'o, who entered the match with a dodgy hamstring after completing minimal training earlier in the week.

The Samoan back accumulated a game-high 232 run metres in addition to tries during the sixth, 45th and 64th minutes of the contest.

But despite the rival pair's head-to-head scoring abilities, it was a mad scramble inside the final 10 minutes which decided the result, with NSW crossing over for five tries to Queensland's four.

When Samoan-born Stephen Crichton powered through three Maroons defenders to score in the 56th minute, the match seemed to turn on its head.

However, it came to nothing for the favourites at a venue which New South Wales had claimed victories in both previous Origin encounters.

Samoan and Māori five-eighth for the Blues, Jarome Luai, who lifted following the break after reuniting with former Panthers teammate Nathan Cleary, was earlier put on report for allegedly eye-gouging Torres Strait Islander Rueben Cotter.

The Blues scored four tries in the second half without conceding a point, however Zac Lomax converted just one of the four goal attempts that ultimately cost the side an early series win without playing on home soil.

In comparison, Valentine Holmes did not miss one of five goal attempts for Queensland which included a vital penalty shot at goal in the two-point victory.

Kalyn Ponga summed up a typical attitude and state pride from his Queenslander cohort which ensured the series will be decided in Sydney.

"We spoke about how we had to find a way during the week, and I think, we did that during the second half," he said.

"It's not pretty, obviously, and we need to better in game three, but at the end of the day we just needed the win."