Queensland are on the verge of an unprecedented period of Origin dominance after capturing their third straight series with a pulsating 16-10 win in the decider at ANZ Stadium.

The Maroons reaffirmed themselves as one of the great Origin sides in the history of interstate contests by becoming the third Queensland team - and the first since 1987-89 - to win a hattrick of titles.

While none of those sides went on to make it four in a row, this outfit looks better placed to create a dynasty with the Maroons blessed with talent and youth in plentiful doses.

"We've won three in a row, how good is that," Queensland coach Mal Meninga said.

"As far as I'm concerned these guys deserve all the accolades they get.

"It was a bit of a war zone, losing Prince after 15 minute, that put a bit of a dent in the way we played.

"But JT (Johnathan Thurston) stood up, Karmichael (Hunt) stood up, Smithy stood up ... and we grinded (sic) a really good game out."

Israel Folau dominated from the wing like few in the game ever have with a spectacular two try performance, while in Thurston they proved the post Darren Lockyer era was in safe hands.

That Queensland won this series without Lockyer showed just how powerful a force they are, and that they had to do without his replacement Scott Prince for 65 minutes due to a broken arm showed just how talented Thurston is.

With the scores locked at 10-all and 12 minutes remaining on the clock the game was anyone's.

But cometh the hour cometh the man.

Thurston, who took out the player of the series award, dummied his way through to send Billy Slater away for the match-winning try.

"Quite unbelievable really, with our half going out early in the game and winning down here, it's pretty special winning at home but winning down is pretty sweet," Maroons skipper Smith said.

"It was a tough game, I think it's probably up there with one of Queensland's best wins, it was our toughest win by far.

"It's always good winning 30 blot, but to tough it out down here is even better."

For defeated Blues skipper Danny Buderus, it was a tough way to bow out of Origin football, but the closeness of the scoreline wasn't indicative of a NSW side that was outplayed in the final two games of the series.

Matt Cooper's 15th minute try, when he took advantage of a Maroons defensive line missing Prince as he made his way up the tunnel, proved to be their only four-pointer over the two games, compared to eight for the Maroons.

Just like the previous 20 games, Buderus was one of NSW's best.

His combination with Newcastle teammate Kurt Gidley - who started in place of Brett Stewart - proved a masterstroke from coach Craig Bellamy, but a record equalling third series win as NSW skipper was not to be.

"At the end of the day there's nothing between the two states but the individual brilliance of JT," Buderus said.

"I could not be prouder of the boys, they came up and apologised to me after the game but I won't have any of that."

Bellamy refused to speculate on whether he would go around again.

"I haven't really thought about it, I just concentrate on each game and each preparation, I haven't thought about it and I probably won't for a while."

An early penalty gave the Blues the lead and the natives an opportunity to release some tension with a bit of push and shove, but it was the Maroons who made the first impression with Folau gifted the opening try thanks to an Anthony Quinn fumble.

Cooper replied but with Thurston now pulling the strings, Folau played the most nimble of puppets for his second try - the 19-year-old using Quinn as a step ladder before grasping the ball in one hand to touch down.

NSW regained ascendancy through another Craig Fitzgibbon penalty goal but it was matched after the break when Paul Gallen ridiculously took out Thurston in front of his own sticks.

Queensland backrower Nate Myles was lucky to stay on the field following a spear tackle on Ben Cross, the Blues prop replying with a bevy of right hooks.

From there Thurston turned the game as he sent Slater away, Queensland withstanding a barrage of NSW raids on their line with a crucial forward pass call against Braith Anasta with 45 seconds on the clock killing off the Blues hopes.

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