New South Wales 18-14 Queensland: Blues clinch State of Origin series in Sydney

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Highlights from the second State of Origin 2018 game between New South Wales and Queensland

New South Wales wrapped up 2018's State of Origin series against Queensland a game early, courtesy of an 18-14 win in front of over 82,000 fans at Sydney's ANZ Stadium.

Queensland, who knew they had to win at the home of the Blues after their 22-12 defeat in the first game in Melbourne on June 6, started the game much the stronger side and raced into a 10-0 lead inside 20 minutes after tries from Valentine Holmes and Dane Gagai.

Queensland made the perfect start with early tries from Valentine Holmes and Dane Gagai

Holmes runs in the second try of the day for the Maroons in Sydney

With Billy Slater pulling the strings, Gagai also had an earlier effort ruled out by the video referee as the Maroons threatened to run away with things, but a brilliant solo finish from NSW wing Josh Addo-Carr brought the Blues back into the contest.

Josh Addo-Carr scored out of nothing to bring the Blues back into things

Six minutes later, and having played very little of the game, NSW edged into the lead after a penalty-try decision by the video referee - Ben Hunt penalised for a pull back on Blues skipper Boyd Cordner as he looked to chase a James Maloney kick ahead in the in-goal area.

A second-half try by Latrell Mitchell, in addition to an outstanding touchline conversion from Maloney, boosted the Blues' lead out to eight, but that was not the end of the drama.

Latrell Mitchell's second-half try was perhaps the most significant moment of the match

Queensland took a hold of the game once more and, after squandering several chances, finally did get another try through centre Will Chambers. Holmes' conversion miss left it a four-point game, though.

Blues' James Roberts was then sin-binned for a professional foul off the ball on Gavin Cooper with 11 minutes left, as he - like Cordner before him for NSW - sought to reach a kick ahead.

Will Chambers' try gave Queensland a chance but they could not score again

The Blues survived a penalty-try decision due to the covering Tom Trbojevic and, after some frantic defence, just held out to claim a stirring victory.

The Blues, under the first-season coaching of former Australia Test captain Brad Fittler, headed into the game seeking just their second State of Origin series success in 13 years

Greg Inglis and co were devastated after the State of Origin II defeat

By contrast, since Queensland's Origin reign began in 2006, the Blues have taken Game One on four occasions only to lose the final two matches in 2006, 2008, 2013 and 2017 - but not this year.

The sides will now face off at the home of Queensland in Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium, on July 11 for State of Origin III.