Queensland's dominance does not look like ending soon after their 22-6 win over NSW at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night clinched their 11th series triumph in 12 years.
Winger Valentine Holmes nabbed a hat-trick in just his second Origin while man-of-the-match Cameron Smith again turned back the clock to extend the team's dynasty in front of a record 52,540-strong crowd.
The decider was billed as a changing of the guard for the Maroons with champion five-eighth Johnathan Thurston receiving a pre-match tribute.
hHis 37-game Origin career was ended because of a shoulder injury in Queensland's dramatic game two win.
And it may also be the final game for fellow Maroons greats Billy Slater and halfback Cooper Cronk who are yet to decide whether to play on in 2018.
However, Queensland officially began life after Thurston by breaking NSW hearts and clinching their 13th Origin decider - and seventh straight.
It marks the first time since 1987 the Maroons have clinched a series with two games in Queensland after losing the opener.
Debutant Cameron Munster was outstanding, stepping into the big shoes left behind by Thurston at No.6.
In just his second Origin, Holmes became the fifth Queensland player to nab a record equalling hat-trick.
But it was the Maroons' established stars led by evergreen hooker Smith who sparked the hosts.
Slater showed no sign of an ankle complaint that hampered his lead-up to be a constant threat, Smith tore NSW apart with his first-half dummy-half runs while Cronk's highlight was a pin-point crossfield kick that delivered Holmes' second try.
Winger Valentine Holmes nabbed a hat-trick in just his second Origin while man-of-the-match Cameron Smith again turned back the clock to extend the team's dynasty in front of a record 52,540-strong crowd.
The decider was billed as a changing of the guard for the Maroons with champion five-eighth Johnathan Thurston receiving a pre-match tribute.
hHis 37-game Origin career was ended because of a shoulder injury in Queensland's dramatic game two win.
And it may also be the final game for fellow Maroons greats Billy Slater and halfback Cooper Cronk who are yet to decide whether to play on in 2018.
Champions again. Image: Getty
However, Queensland officially began life after Thurston by breaking NSW hearts and clinching their 13th Origin decider - and seventh straight.
It marks the first time since 1987 the Maroons have clinched a series with two games in Queensland after losing the opener.
Debutant Cameron Munster was outstanding, stepping into the big shoes left behind by Thurston at No.6.
Thurston lifts the Origin shield with Smith. Image: Getty
But it was the Maroons' established stars led by evergreen hooker Smith who sparked the hosts.
Slater showed no sign of an ankle complaint that hampered his lead-up to be a constant threat, Smith tore NSW apart with his first-half dummy-half runs while Cronk's highlight was a pin-point crossfield kick that delivered Holmes' second try.
