The State of Origin streak rolls on for Maroons

QUEENSLAND held on for yet another nerve-jangling State of Origin  series win over NSW.

Queensland celebrates

THE streak goes on. And so did a streaker as State of Origin produced yet another night of drama at ANZ Stadium. A year after the series was decided by one point, the Maroons produced a far more convincing margin of victory - a nerve-jangling two points.

But the 12-10 win that clinched their eighth straight series was overshadowed by remarkable scenes in the final minutes as a streaker invaded the ground with the Maroons deep in attack.

As prop Matt Scott sidled over for a match-clinching try with two minutes remaining, security guards simultaneously descended on the naked buffoon as he completed an 80m romp downfield.

NSW backrower Ryan Hoffman was caught up in the incident as the streaker was tackled only metres from the Blues tryline. Rugby league had its Peter Hoare - serial pest - moment.

In the aftermath, the try was disallowed because of the impact of the imbecile. In the end, however, it had no impact on the result. The Maroons celebrated victory yet again. The frustration continued for NSW.

VIDEO: Meninga praises his players

A year after kicking a field goal to win the series, halfback Cooper Cronk was again a key figure, sending centre Justin Hodges over for the match-winner with 17 minutes remaining.

Minus captain Paul Gallen and fullback Jarryd Hayne, the Blues were heroic. Even after Hodges' try, they found a riposte. Trent Merrin entered the fray at the perfect time, covering the charge-down of a Mitchell Pearce kick. Then he sliced his way through to score under the posts.

The difference was back to two points. But that was as close as NSW got. The Blues, and their long-suffering fans, endured another night of frustration and disappointment. The wait goes on.

"It was a fantastic effort," Queensland coach Mal Meninga said. "We prepared really well for that. We thought we had to handle adversity to its utmost tonight.

"I was very proud of the players. That was a true Origin game. True grit. Showed fantastic desire to get the desired result.

"The bums were dragging on the ground a lot of times during that game but they kept on coming up with the right efforts and right decisions.

"Winning eight in a row is fantastic."

Shattered NSW coach Laurie Daley said: "For us, if we're going to go and be a better team we can't accept that and we won't accept it. It's tough times, but we need to stick together and continue to believe and someone will turn it around."

The second half began as the first ended. The Blues had the better of the battle as they went perilously close to levelling the scores. Michael Jennings appeared certain to score but lost the ball when he had a chance to cross.

The pressure was mounting, so was the penalty count.

At one stage it was 8-2 in NSW's favour. Queensland was barely clinging to its lead. But Origin is all about swings and roundabouts. One team has the ascendancy and then the other.

The Blues couldn't take advantage of their dominance. The Maroons only needed one chance. Cronk drifted to the line and sent Hodges crashing over.

Merrin managed a reply but there would be no more. The Maroons emerged triumphant.

"Queensland is built on never giving up, no matter what is in front of them," said captain Cameron Smith, who won the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series.

"That's what we built this team around - mateship. It's about trying to help your teammate out. If you're helping him out, you're helping the team out.

"We knew we were a good enough side to withstand that last nine minutes and whatever NSW was going to throw at us."

The team that dominated the opening 20 minutes had won the opening two games of this year's series. Little wonder NSW had spent much of the lead-up talking about the need to make a fast start.

It didn't work. Rather than the Blues flying out of the blocks, it was Queensland that owned the early exchanges and it made the first breakthrough through a try to Johnathan Thurston.

QUEENSLAND 12 (J Hodges J Thurston tries J Thurston 2 goals)

NEW SOUTH WALES 10 (J McManus T Merrin tries J Maloney goal) at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Shayne Hayne, Ben Cummins. Crowd: 83,813.

QLD win series 2-1