New South Wales have bounced back from their shock defeat in the series opener to set up a State of Origin decider in Brisbane next week.
Winger Josh Addo-Carr had two tries and half Nathan Cleary controlled the encounter masterfully, as the Blues ran out 34-10 victors to tie the three-game interstate series.
Back at home, NSW fell behind early, but took advantage of a head injury to Maroons playmaker Cameron Munster to turn momentum in their favour, running in six tries.
Blues coach Brad Fittler ran the changes after last week's defeat, replacing star Sydney Roosters half Luke Keary with South Sydney's Cody Walker. That new combination proved the difference, especially after the Queensland halves were thrown into disarray.
Flying winger Xavier Coates gave the Maroons an early advantage, when he went vertical in the corner to score an incredibly acrobatic try.
But by that stage, Munster had already departed for a head injury assessment, after landing heavily under a high kick under his own posts. He duly failed that examination, thrusting Ben Hunt into the hot seat.
New South Wales gradually turned the game around their way, pinning Queensland in their own half and repeatedly forcing captain Daly Cherry-Evans to clear from his territory.
Walker opened the Blues scoring and that lead quickly grew to 18-4, with James Tedesco and Addo-Carr touching down before halftime.
Needing to score first after the break, Queensland fell further behind, when Jack Wighton exploited soft defence down the left and moments later, Daniel Tupou travelled the same path to the line.
Big prop Josh Papalii raised some hope of a dramatic comeback, bullocking his way over from close range, but Addo-Carr quickly responded to restore the status quo.
The result sets up a thriller at Suncorp Stadium in seven days, with New South Wales seeking a hat-trick of series victories, after just one in 12 years previously.
NSW 34 (Addo-Carr 2, Walker, Wighton, Tupou & Tedesco tries; Cleary 4 conversions & penalty) Queensland 10 (Coates & Papalii tries; Holmes conversion)
Join us next Wednesday for live updates of the NSW v Queensland State of Origin decider
