State of Origin is never dead! QLD sent departing fullback and first-time skipper Billy Slater out in style with an 18-12 win, avoiding the embarrassment of a whitewash.
NSW defended valiantly as QLD enjoyed a mountain of early possession. Miraculously, NSW took a 12-8 lead into halftime with quick tries to Tom Trbojevic and James Tedesco.
Midway into the second half, the weight of the early possession took effect as NSW began to tire, with QLD scoring back-to-back tries to claim an 18-12 lead. As has been the case many times before, the Maroons were too good on their home turf.
However, NSW can hold their heads up high after a great series and a fantastic defensive display in this game, despite the loss. Here are the NSW player ratings for Game 3 of the 2018 Series.