Queensland claimed a fourth successive triumph in the State of Origin series with a 24-14 win over New South Wales in game two.
Smith's late, late try finishes off brave comeback bid by Blues
Queensland defeated New South Wales 24-14 in Sydney to claim a record fourth successive triumph in the State of Origin series.
Cameron Smith's late try clinched a victory for the Maroons that gives them an unassailable 2-0 lead following their 28-18 win in the series opener.
The Blues did their best to prevent history being made, battling back from an early 18-0 deficit to pull within four points just after the hour mark.
But, despite the strong support of the majority of the 80,400 crowd, the hosts were unable to recover from a disastrous opening 25 minutes.
Impressive
The Maroons' success was even more impressive considering their squad had been hit by illness during the build-up, while they beset by injury problems during the match itself.
Greg Inglis was the biggest casualty, the centre having to be helped off the field after being on the end of a high shot from former Wigan Warrior Trent Barrett that resulted in the incident being placed on report.
Before departing the Kangaroos star had scored the first of three early tries, all of them gifts as the Blues found different ways of shooting themselves in the foot.
Loose tackling out wide allowed Israel Folau to burst clear down the right and although he was hauled in, Inglis soon forced his way over on the opposite flank.
David Williams coughed up possession close to his own line to then gift Folau a try, while a loose pass soon after let in Queensland skipper Darren Lockyer.
Jonathan Thurston converted all three but, much to their credit, the Blues bounced back in style with a brace from Jarryd Hayne.
Contrasting
The winger's tries couldn't have been more contrasting in style, his first seeing him pick off a pass close to his own line before galloping clear.
His second, right before the interval, saw him use power instead of pace, as he forced his way over from no more than a metre out. The television official awarded the try having chalked off an effort for Queensland at the other end shortly before.
Williams atoned for his earlier error by diving over after 62 minutes to make it 18-14, though New South Wales were unable to get any closer.
After producing some stoic defensive work, the Maroons sealed their eighth win in the last 11 Origin matches when hooker Smith gleefully accepted Luke O'Donnell's fumble before falling over the line, sparking wild celebrations from his team-mates, as well as the Maroons' colourful band of travelling support.
