Maroons stun Blues with thrilling 26-24 comeback, set up an epic decider in Sydney

Bring on the decider.

In an exciting showdown, Queensland evened the State of Origin series with a nail-biting 26-24 victory over New South Wales in Game Two in Perth on Wednesday night.

After dominating the first half with a 26-6 lead, the Maroons faced a tough challenge - kept scoreless in the second half - as the Blues fought back. But they ultimately held on for the win.

Queensland Captain Cameron Munster and halfback Tom Dearden were instrumental in their win. Coach Billy Slater replaced the experienced Daly Cherry-Evans with the younger Dearden, which paid off well for the team.

In front of 57,023 fans on a wet and chilly night, the Maroons displayed incredible energy and tactical skill in the first half, leading the Blues, who struggled to keep up.

Munster led from the front with determination, while Dearden’s quick thinking helped set up two tries for team-mate Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

But the second half saw a dramatic turn of events. The Blues scored four quick tries, narrowing the score gap to just two points, and putting the Maroons under immense pressure in the game's closing moments.

The Maroons' defence held firm, especially when Blues' fullback Dylan Edwards dropped the ball in the final seconds, sealing Queensland's thrilling victory.

NSW won Game One 18-6. Game II marked a historic moment as no Queensland team had ever returned to win a series after losing the first game at home. Wednesday's win gives the Maroons a unique opportunity to break a 45-year trend when both teams meet again in Sydney next month.

Kurt Capewell scores for the Maroons. Photo/AAP/Richard Wainwright/Photosport

While Queensland did not do well in their first game at Suncorp Stadium, their forwards stepped up and played with heart in Perth. The team's performance improved significantly, especially with players like Mo Fotuaika, Kurt Capewell and Trent Loiero making key contributions.

Dearden, at only 24 years old, brought a fresh style of play that energised the team and helped create scoring opportunities. It was Queensland’s biggest selection call in 30 years. Skipper Cherry-Evans axed, and the No.7 jumper he held for seven years and 20 consecutive Origin games was handed to the Cowboys' rising star.

Dearden quickly became vital to the team's strategy, and fans could see his impact on the game. He was selected to create points, and he delivered. He did in seven minutes what Queensland couldn’t do in their previous 160 - set up two tries, both to Tabuai-Fidow.

Two minutes before half-time, Dearden hit up Kurt Mann for Capewell to crash over and propel the Maroons to a 26-6 half-time lead. Dearden, profiting from Queensland winning the ruck, straightened the attack.

Harry Grant, who faced criticism after his previous performance, also rose to the occasion with a strong game, helping to set up key players for Munster. There was a push for Grant to be dropped to the bench after his losing 0-4 at hooker. The Storm forward charged out of the dummy half and put Munster over for the 32nd-minute try that left the Blues reeling at 20-6.

Overall, Munster's leadership and the chemistry he built with Dearden showed promise for the team's future.

A relieved Slater told a post-match interview that it was “a good win".

"What a heart-stopper. We didn’t help ourselves in the second half, though. But the courage, character, essence, and spirit in those last 10 minutes to defend our try line from NSW were outstanding."

Origin III will be played on 9 July at the Accor Stadium in Sydney.

Blues' Payne Haas, who was man-of-the-match in game one, is tackled by Trent Loiero of the Maroons. Photo/AAP/Dan Himbrechts/Photosport