Two tries from Sharks star Valentine Holmes, one an 90-metre intercept, has helped to guide Queensland to an 18-12 victory in the third game of the 2018 State of Origin series.
Holmes's first try not only saved a near certain four pointer for the Blues, but it put the Maroons ahead early in the first half, with his goal from wide out giving Queensland a 6-0 advantage.
Another two points from the boot of Holmes, this time courtesy of a penalty goal, put the home team up by eight before, NSW silenced the 51,000-strong crowd at Suncorp Stadium when they struck back with two late first half tries to go the break ahead 12-8.
It was Holmes again, this time on the end of a Queensland backline movement which pulled his team level at 12-all, setting up a frantic finale to the final match of 2018.
A Daly Cherry-Evans try, converted by Holmes, who contributed 14 of the 18 Queensland points on the night, pushed the Maroons ahead by six and from there, despite a few anxious moments and a desperate NSW side, they were able to hang on for the victory.
The Queensland win made it two games to one to NSW in this year's three-game series.
In scoring his eighth try in just five Origin matches, Holmes set a record for scoring in five consecutive games, with no other player since the inception of the State of Origin concept back in 1980 having achieved that feat.
Retiring Queensland fullback Billy Slater was named man-of-the-match, while controversially also taking out the Wally Lewis Medal for man-of-the-series despite playing just two games and being on the losing side.
Holmes is expected back at Sharks headquarters today where he will be assessed before a decision is made as to whether he will take to the field for the game against the Panthers tomorrow night.
