Laurie Daley has issued a rallying cry to his NSW troops, the coach declaring they have a chance to be remembered "for all time" if they can pull off a State of Origin series win in Brisbane.
The 2026 title will be decided at Suncorp Stadium on July 8 after Queensland levelled the series in Melbourne, running in six second-half tries to turn a four-point halftime deficit into a 44-24 victory.
Rampaging winger Selwyn Cobbo scored a hat-trick while fearless young halfback Sam Walker earned man-of-the-match honours in just his second Origin match, engineering their attack and also adding 16 points with his boot.
Queensland skipper Cameron Munster was forced off for a HIA late in the first half and said he could see something brewing as he watched the game from the change-rooms.
"I was seeing how hard we were working and what we were doing for each other with those little things that we talked about within our four walls," Munster said.
"We were only down by four, so I knew we could definitely get our game on ... we didn't have a perfect first half, but we had a great second half."
The Blues must regroup quickly after the MCG demolition, with personnel changes likely, although Daley said he wouldn't be rushing any decisions.
His recall of Mitchell Moses, after injury ruled him out of their game-one win, to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves failed to fire although Daley said the pair were on the back-foot with the team "under the pump".
Regardless of who plays, Daley urged the Blues to rise to the challenge.
NSW only have to look to 2024, when Michael Maguire was coach, to bolster belief they can win a decider in enemy territory, lifting the trophy at Suncorp after a 14-4 victory.
But of the previous 14 deciders to be played in Brisbane, the Maroons have won 10.
Selwyn Cobbo has THREE! 🥧#NRL #Origin #StateofOrigin pic.twitter.com/eobzGeKPNH
— NRL (@NRL) June 17, 2026
Daley said the current crop could be remembered for achieving something special.
"I think it's just a wonderful challenge for you as a footy player, individually and as a team," said Daley, who has not won a decider as NSW coach in his previous six full series in charge.
"How good do you want to be? Do you want to be remembered? Win a series up there in a decider, you'll be remembered for all-time.
"That's the challenge that's awaits, so that's the advantage, I suppose, of winning game one, we were off the mark in game two but the boys should be excited because it's a great opportunity."
Munster said playing at at home in Brisbane didn't guarantee a Queensland victory.
"It doesn't mean we're going to win the game, because we've got a home ground advantage - I remember the boys had a similar situation in 2024," said the veteran five-eighth, who missed the 2024 series through injury.
"At the end of the day, the job's not done so we can sit here and be comfortable with what we did or we can go after it and make something special.
"It was something special last year, and I can't see why we can't do it again this year."
