Hooker Ben Hunt has scored two second-half tries to inspire Queensland home 20-18 for a facesaving victory in State of Origin III at Gold Coast.
Trailling New South Wales 12-8 soon after halftime, the St George Dragons No.9 darted from dummy half to restore his team's previous advantage and then extended the lead with another moments later, putting the Maroons beyond reach down the stretch.
Queensland had to withstand considerable pressure over the closing minutes and conceded a try to Api Koroisau that brought the margin back to two points.
NSW centre Latrell Mitchell had a chance to level the scores within sight of fulltime, attempting a penalty from halfway, but his left-footed effort fell short and Queensland were able to survive the final seconds.
With COVID-19 driving the game out of Sydney and eventually out of New South Wales, the Blues had a unique chance to sweep their archrivals without playing on home soil, after earlier wins at Townsville and Brisbane.
Queensland showed they meant business, opting for a penalty kick at goal that gave them a early 2-0 - and ultimately, their winning margin.
Mitchell had the game's opening try, but debutant Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow replied for the Maroons, who held an 8-6 edge at the break.
NSW coach Brad Fittler was forced to replace first-choice halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, both injured, and Jack Wighton put the Blues ahead after the restart, when he dummied a long pass to his wing and found a wide lane opening before him to the line.
Hunt forced a turnover on his defensive end, when he dislodged the ball with a tackle on Mitchell, then captain Dale Cherry-Evans kicked long and lured Josh Addo-Carr into a mistake that gave Queensland possession deep in NSW territory.
When Cherry-Evans was tackled short of the line, Hunt darted across to regain the lead.
His second came, after fullback Kalyn Ponga broke down the right touchline to put NSW on the back foot and when the ball moved left, Hunt ran an angled route off Kurt Capewell to score.
Regardless of this result, New South Wales were able to celebrate a well-deserved series victory, after dominating the previous contests, with centre Tom Trbojevic receiving the Wally Lewis Medal, as the outstanding individual performer.
Queensland 20 (Tabuai-Fidow & Hunt 2 tries; Holmes penalty & conversion, Cherry-Evans 2 conversions) NSW 18 (Mitchell, Koroisau & Wighton tries; Mitchell 3 conversions)
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