It will go down as one of Queensland’s best Origin wins - and three Titans on debut played a huge role.
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The Maroons took a one-nil series lead over the Blues after a 18 points to 14 win in Adelaide, with AJ Brimson, Phillip Sami and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui all playing their first game for Queensland.
NSW led 10-0 at the break but conceded three unanswered tries in the second half, and will be playing to keep the series alive when they host game two at ANZ Stadium next Wednesday.
With eight debutants in the squad, coach Wayne Bennett and assistant Mal Meninga inspired the young group to a second half fight back which was started by a young Titan.
It was AJ Brimson who opened the scoring for Queensland, with the Gold Coaster crossing the line on debut.
10 minutes into the second half, Kurt Capewell made a half break, chipping a kick ahead for Brimson to score.
Incoming Titan Fa'asuamaleaui and outgoing Gold Coast player Jai Arrow both had strong games up forward and helped set the platform for the Maroons attack.
Phillip Sami was rock solid on the wing, looking comfortable under the high ball and adding plenty in attack as he also made an impression in his first game in Maroon.
Just like in 2001, Bennett returned to the Queensland coaching role and appears to have instilled belief in a new-look team that they could stop NSW from winning a third consecutive series.
The Queensland team will return to their Gold Coast training base ahead of game two, with the Blues to look to level the series in front of a home crowd in Sydney.
