Latrell Mitchell has made a solid return to State of Origin football as New South Wales forced a decider with a 38-18 win after a dominant first half at the MCG in game two of the series on Wednesday.
Mitchell, who returned for his first game in the Blues jumper since 2021, repaid the faith shown by Michael Maguire after being overlooked for the opener in Sydney with an imposing defensive performance to go with contributions on the scoreboard.
The Souths fullback put his mark on the game at centre with a backhand flick to send Brian To'o over for NSW's second in the left corner after Liam Martin opened the scoring early.
They extended their lead to 16-nil before a Reece Walsh kick-off drifted over touch, via Max Lomax's toe placed on the line, as the pressure on Queensland mounted.
NSW built the largest ever first half score in a game of Origin football, entering the sheds with an unanswered 34 points on the scoreboard and boasting 68 per cent of possession before the break.
Queensland centre Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow's night threatened to end early after injuring his shoulder as he was dragged into touch after catching a high ball from Stephen Crighton mid-way through the first half.
'Hammer' went downstairs and spent time on the sidelines before returning for a strong second half, including a try and strong efforts reeling in NSW bombs with the Maroons clawing back some respect in a 18-4 second half in their favour.
The match boiled over through the opening ten minutes of the second half as passions flared and the physical intensity of the game dialled up.
Mitchell was placed report for collecting Xavier Coates high early in the second half which received a minor match free fine from the judiciary.
He asserted himself further with a legal dumping hit on Reece Walsh deep in Queensland territory before holding on for a try saving tackle to deny the Maroons from crossing over a short time after.
"Honestly, I'm not making it about myself," Mitchell said when asked about his return post match.
"It's about the people that showed up today. It's about everyone here in a blue jersey...our families showing up, NSW showing up. It's a neutral ground to come to...we've got a job to do, one to go...very proud of the boys. Our week was very special.
"Im optimistic (about game three in Brisbane). We've got a couple of weeks to go to prepare for that. We'll talk when we get to camp."
Blues debutant Connor Watson was made to wait until the 64th minute to get on the ground.
The Gamilaroi man ended with 12 tackles and 35 metres gained from his time on field.
For the Maroons, Walsh ran for 106 metres while Reuben Cotter struggled to influence the match with his side playing catch-up, but ran for more than 90 metres and made 39 tackles.
A player of the match performance from incoming Blues half Mitch Moses all but sealed his spot in the NSW side after ousting Nicho Hynes in the no.7 jersey.
The series heads to a decider at Suncorp Stadium on July 17.
