Gallant Queensland fullback Darren Lockyer denied playing injured in the 27-4 State of Origin loss which allowed NSW to wrap up the interstate rugby league series 2-0.

And losing coach Wayne Bennett had no complaints with Lockyer's effort, describing him among the Maroons' best on the night.

The Queensland post-match press conference got off to a bad start when Bennett, with skipper Gorden Tallis beside him, was asked if Queensland had ever played worse.

With Tallis' eyes almost rolling, Bennett responded: "I don't think so."

He added: "We never got into the game from the beginning."

Asked if Lockyer had carried an ankle injury into the battle Bennett said "no".

"I thought he was our best player. Nobody tried harder than he did tonight."

Tallis was asked when he heard "alarm bells" as NSW steamrolled to a 17-0 half time lead.

"Maybe it was 12-0, or 16-0, or 17-0," snarled Tallis.

While Lockyer looked below his best, he was heavily targeted and worked over by Andrew Johns' kicking tricks.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP