New South Wales claimed the 2026 State of Origin series with a commanding 12-30 victory over Queensland at Suncorp Stadium, overturning pre-match expectations through a clinical display led by Nathan Cleary.
The halfback scored twice, kicked four conversions and added a long-range penalty as the Blues surged to an early 18-0 advantage before withstanding a second-half Queensland resurgence. Cameron Murray and Bradman Best also crossed, while a controversial Best try survived a suspected knock-on review.
Queensland responded through Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo and Jojo Fifita, but missed conversions and handling errors proved costly. The win secured New South Wales’ 18th Origin title and their second series triumph in Brisbane in three years, capping a fiercely contested series after each side won one of the opening two matches.
The bunkers decision on Bests try was a shocker they should all be sacked and forfeit their pay.