Queensland have secured the 2023 men's State of Origin series with a 32-6 win over New South Wales in Brisbane on Wednesday.
The Maroons entered half time 10-0 up after soaking up the pressure put on by the Blues' many chances at the line and taking advantage of their own.
The visitor's potency in attack had already been in question after a disappointing performance in game one in Adelaide, before losing more key men through injury in the lead up to game two.
Billy Slater's men had their own injury headaches.
Saibai Island man Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has proved an inspired selection after causing some stir when he pushed Queensland veteran Dan Gagai out of the side a month ago.
The 21-year-old has starred in their triumph, running in for three tries in the series so far, including two crucial four-pointers in the opener.
It's a remarkable return from a frustrating 2022 where he spent much of the season on the Cowboys' bench behind Scott Drinkwater, who locked in his position at fullback after Tabuai-Fidow spent a period out injured.
He had already notched one Origin game in 2021, before a dominant start to the 2023 season after crossing to the Dolphins.
Tabuai-Fidow emerged as a crucial signing for the NRL newcomers, spearheading much of their surprising success through the first half of the year while averaging a try a game.
Game two brought another opportunity to cross for Queensland, crossing for their fourth try to all but seal the win in the 50th before Xavier Coates and Jeremiah Nanai put on the finishing touches late in the game.
Tabuai-Fidow celebrates each try with a shark-inspired celebration, his totem from the Torres Strait.
The Maroons are turning it 🔛#Origin pic.twitter.com/8xD8pf9AfS
— NRL (@NRL) June 21, 2023
"I put it down as one of my goals this year to get back into the Origin arena and get a (Maroons) jersey," he told NRL media after game two.
"The trust we built and the one that we created within the two (training) camps, we wanted to go out there and to not let anyone down.
"I think that Queensland spirit we have within us it's pretty special."
The Maroons jumper has seen a shift form his usual post at fullback to the centres.
It led to some work to take on the increased responsibility in defence.
"This is different, obviously at fullback. I'm running more...but at centre I've got to defend more. I've sort of had to get my shoulders ready coming into camp," he said.
"There's a big difference but I enjoy both positions."
In game two Tabuai-Fidow made 19 tackles at 90 per cent efficiency, a key pillar to keeping the Blues to just the one try.
Fellow Torres Strait Islander man Reuben Cotter repeated his efforts from game one by leading Queensland's tackle count with 44 efforts at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane youngster Reece Walsh proved another player standing up to Origin football.
The 20-year-old ran for 146 metres with the ball, second only to playmaker Cameron Munster, and had two offloads on Wednesday.
Walsh has lit up the 2023 season since crossing the Tasman from the Warriors, earmarking a career amongst the best in the game.
Speaking after the Maroons series win, he detailed his joy at being able to play in front of his state.
"This is our backyard, this is our home. We come to represent our people," Walsh said.
Queensland are eyeing off just their fifth Origin whitewash when they travel to Sydney's Accor Stadium on July 12.
The Maroons host NSW in game two of the women's State of Origin series in Townsville on Thursday after clinching the opener 18-10 in Sydney on June 1.
