Overview

• Queensland built a 26-6 halftime lead by capitalising on an 8-0 penalty count and scoring on four of their first five sets
• New South Wales outscored Queensland 18-0 after the break with five tries but fell short as Zac Lomax converted just two of five attempts
• Jarome Luai was fined for an alleged eye gouge on Reuben Cotter and Zac Lomax lost part of his match fee for elbowing Trent Loiero
• Blues coach Laurie Daley blamed first-half indiscipline and a malfunctioning kicking game for the defeat, while Maroons captain Cameron Munster praised Billy Slater’s leadership after earning man-of-the-match honours
• The series now heads to a decider at Accor Stadium in Sydney on July 9