QUEENSLAND staged one of the great State of Origin ambushes on Wednesday night to upset NSW 18-14 in the series opener at Adelaide Oval.
Long shots with the bookmakers, the Maroons finished the first 40 minutes 10-0 in arrears, only to rally spectacularly after a half-time address from new coach Wayne Bennett.
The result means NSW have to win the next two games, in Sydney and then Brisbane, if they are to make it a three-peat, having won consecutive series in 2018 and 2019.
The portents appeared ominous for NSW from the outset, when NSW hooker Damien Cook fumbled the kick-off. Cook made amends in the 16th minute when he grubbered ahead, regained the ball and struggled over for the game's opening try.
Halfback Nathan Cleary converted for a 6-0 lead.
There were dramas for NSW midway through the first half when skipper Boyd Cordner suffered a head knock and was taken for a HIA, then bench forward Cameron Murray limped off with a knee problem. Cordner was at least able to return to action, while Murray's series appears over after his first touch of the ball.
The Blues took those setbacks in their stride and winger Josh Addo-Carr capitalised on an overlap to score in the 21st minute. Cleary missed the conversion to leave NSW 10-0 in front.
Queensland came out firing from the outset in the second half, gradually grinding NSW down with relentless pressure and field position.
Sure enough, NSW cracked and Maroons centre Kurt Capewell broke clear and kicked ahead to create a try for fullback AJ Brimson. Daly Cherry-Evans converted to make it 10-6.
Four minutes later, Maroons centre Dane Gagai beat some flimsy defence and linked with winger Xavier Coates, who scored out wide. Cherry-Evans converted and suddenly Queensland were up 12-10.
A dropped ball by the Blues in the 66th minute was swooped on by Maroons five-eighth Cameron Munster, who scored after a 30-metre sprint to the line.
Addo-Carr's second try, in the 76th minute, set up a thrilling finish.
Newcastle prop Daniel Saifiti was one of the Blues' best, making 115 metres in attack and 34 tackles in his 57 minutes on the pitch.
Game two is at ANZ Stadium next Wednesday.
