Nathan Cleary has led NSW to a memorable victory over Queensland in the State of Origin decider. -AAP Image
NSW have won the State of Origin series after Nathan Cleary starred in a stunning 30-12 upset win over Queensland in the decisive third game at Suncorp Stadium.
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Winless in his first three Origin deciders, under-fire halfback Cleary helped the Blues to a surprise 18-0 lead by scoring two first-half tries and stripping the ball ahead of their third.
Game-ending head injuries to veteran fullback James Tedesco and first-gamer Jack Bostock weakened the Blues, who were troubled by the injection of Maroons livewire Reece Walsh in the second half.
Chasing points, the Maroons had a try chalked off that would have put them six points behind in the final 15 minutes, with the bunker ruling Max Plath had been offside chasing Sam Walker's kick.
Cleary then nailed a penalty goal that made it a three-score game, all but putting the result beyond doubt.
It marked only the Blues' fourth victory in a decider at Suncorp Stadium from 14 attempts, and their first time winning consecutive deciders at the venue following their 2024 triumph.
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