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When Michael Jennings barged over for a try to give NSW a 16-14 lead with 90 seconds left on the clock, NSW coach Laurie Daley was in the tunnel between the coaches box and the playing surface.
So Daley didn’t see the match-winning four-pointer, he didn’t know his side had won – but it most likely saved his job.
It began with Matt Moylan sending Blake Ferguson through a gap near halfway.
The winger trod on the accelerator, as the flying James Tedesco loomed, only to be cut down centimetres short of the try line by a superb diving tackle by Cooper Cronk
From the play-the-ball it was out on the bounce towards Jennings, and the rest is history.
Phil Gould summed it up brilliantly. “That was a wonderful moment when NSW pulled down Queensland’s pants on the bell.”
Perfect, seeing Queensland has done it so often to NSW in the past.
So NSW avoided a whitewash, and it doesn’t matter they won ugly.
With 68 per cent possession and a penalty count of 10-3, NSW should have won by 25 or more points.
They didn’t because they are a pretty ordinary side, and Queensland’s defence was of Fort Knox quality.
Take out Tedesco, who was magnificent on debut, Jennings, Tyson Frizell, Aaron Woods and to a lesser degree James Maloney, and the rest weren’t much to write home about.
Last night was like watching the Waratahs stuff up the simple sections of the game – pass, catch, support, retain possession, and moving forward in defence.
Before Origin 1 next year, Daley must get his potential troops together just to improve the basics – a sad indictment, but very true.
Despite their shortcomings, the Blues’ saved Daley’s job, and sent skipper Paul Gallen into retirement with a win.
And Gallen added the icing on the farewell cake by converting Jennings’ try – career record of 100 per cent. One goal attempted, flags raised once.
Corey Parker also played his last Origin. He’s been a rock in maroon, playing even better football now than when he started in 2004 – he’ll be sorely missed.
So Queensland signed off on their tenth series win in 11 years in front of a 61,267 crowd at ANZ Stadium, the smallest there since July 2010 with 61,259 when Queensland successfully completed a whitewash.
But they were hardy souls last night who should be saluted for turning out in a nine degree temperature with an icy wind – making the chill factor around five degrees, if not colder, as exposed stadiums can be.
Queensland skipper Cameron Smith won his fourth Man-of-the-Series. And don’t be surprised if he wins it again next year – he’s the complete footballer.
How State of Origin 2016 finished:
First Origin: Queensland 6-4 at ANZ.
Second Origin: Queensland 26-16 at Suncorp.
Third Origin: NSW 18-14 at ANZ.