‘I’ve never felt like this’: Seven moments which sealed Maroons’ triumph

Queensland’s defensive resolve came off the back of Josh Papalii, who answered a stunning SOS call from Slater to come out of representative retirement and laid a palpable foundation – running for 54 metres from five carries in his first stint, and never taking a backwards step.

But simply his presence, a delayed one following complications after the birth of his son, had a profound impact, along with a faultless team effort which yielded just two errors.

“I was terrified when he picked the phone up he was going to be empty of that fire. But within a couple of words, I felt he still had that fire in him. His performance out there in that first 15 minutes just laid that platform for the rewards to be reaped.”

17th minute: Dearden makes his first mark courtesy of Hammer instincts

It was an incredible night for man of the match Tom Dearden.

The halfback engaged the defensive line with a sharp run to find Reuben Cotter, who found a pass for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

While ‘The Hammer’ looked certain to knock it on, he managed to tap it back again and keep the play alive.

After Blues hooker Reece Robson was pinned for tackling off the ball, the Maroons shifted it wide - Gehamat Shibasaki producing his debut highlight moment by finding the last pass for Coates to score the opening try.

This was the first of many moments for Dearden, who went on to claim both the man of the match honours and Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series.

Given how much scrutiny surrounded him after he was handed the No.7 jumper, following the axing of Daly Cherry-Evans after game one, his exploits well and truly left Slater vindicated.

“I don’t think anyone is surprised how Tom Dearden played in the number seven jersey. He’s sitting there with a couple of medallions around his neck - you don’t get that because people predict things about you, you get that because you earn them through your actions on the field. He’s probably one of the best competitors I’ve ever seen.”

27th minute: Toia magic sparks a frenzy

Robert Toia’s selection was criticised heading into the series, given he had just 10 games of NRL experience under his belt and was tasked with containing Latrell Mitchell.

But the 20-year-old has stood up throughout the campaign. The Sydney Rooster looked destined to be tackled into touch, only to find a late offload for Tabuai-Fidow to latch onto.

The Dolphins’ superstar streaked away, before finding Dearden on the inside to extend the lead.

36th minute: Flawless Maroons challenge and stay that way

The Maroons had been flawless in the opening half, not only defending with vigour but completing all their sets and failing to register a mistake.

Referee Ashley Klein’s decision to pin Queensland for a knock on late in the half on halfway threatened to change that narrative, but a brilliant captain’s challenge from Cameron Munster paid off.

Robson was found to have taken out Tabuai-Fidow in support before the error, leading to a penalty. Queensland would force a repeat set, before Dearden’s slicing run on the proceedings chance provided the quick play the ball for Harry Grant to barge over at close range.

It was more than what Grant produced on the field – 55 tackles and 67 running metres – which stood out to Slater. Given the upheaval the group had been in off the field, his leadership throughout the week proved critical.

“The one guy I did feel really stepped up into that leadership role when Mun was gone was Harry Grant. There were a few question marks around him throughout the series as well. He’s a wonderful player, a wonderful person and a wonderful leader.”

47th minute: Hammer the saviour

Twice in the same set, Tabuai-Fidow emerged to save the day and put a dent in the Blues hopes of a comeback.

New South Wales had all the momentum in the second stanza, and were looking likely to score as they attacked.

But as Luai reached out, Tabuai-Fidow held the rival five-eighth up millimetres from the line, before preventing a charging Angus Crichton moments later in a one-on-one moment of brilliance.

71st minute: Munster’s subtle brilliance ends the comeback

For much of the half, the Blues appeared on the cusp of orchestrating a fightback similar to their so-near-yet-so-far efforts in Perth.

They had scored through Stephen Crichton, and were rolling through the middle far more effectively.

But while Munster has been renowned for his game breaking moments of flair, this time it was a subtle move which ended all New South Wales hopes.

The Maroons skipper’s pinpoint bomb was reeled in by the Blues, but it kept them trapped on their own try line. Aside from Brian To’o’s try in the final minute, they never got another sniff.

For all that Munster has been through, this performance perhaps summed up his character the best.

The larrikin external eyes see was cast aside for the resilient leader, who with his 479 kick metres limited the carnage the dangerous Blues back three could inflict.

“That’s as courageous and brave as I’ve ever seen. I lost my dad in January, I know what it’s like, and I know how it feels. Our dads are our heroes, and I don’t know how he did it. But within 10 minutes of sitting with him on Sunday morning, he looked at me and said ‘Bill, I’m playing’. That’s one proud dad sitting up there.”

76th minute: Mann magic ends on a high

He didn’t have too many chances to make an impression, but Kurt Mann still found a way deep into the contest after being injected in the second half.

On the final play of the set as Queensland went on the attack, Munster’s kick ricocheted off several legs, and the utility was on hand to clean up the scraps.

While juggling the ball initially, he managed to regather, earning a fresh set which led to Dearden’s second try to put the last exclamation mark on a near perfect Maroons performance.