The old firm of Petero Civoniceva and Steve Price were already in negotiations about keeping their front-row partnership going as Queensland seek an unprecedented fourth straight State of Origin series in 2009.

While Queensland coach Mal Meninga sidestepped the question of whether he'd coach on next year, Price said he would keep playing as long as Queensland wanted him.

Dubbed "ebony and ivory" by teammate Sam Thaiday, Price, 34, and Civoniceva, 32, were tough and dependable as Queensland recorded its third hat-trick of series wins over the Blues.

A late try to Billy Slater gave Queensland a 16-10 victory in an absorbing decider, handing former playing great Meninga a perfect three from three coaching record.

"This group is very special," said Price who missed the first game loss only to be reunited with his great mate Civoniceva in the 30-0 second game win and tonight's victory.

"There was a lot of things against us, our record's not great at ANZ Stadium, it was a massive crowd and there was a lot of pressure put on the Blues after the second game.

The only sour note for Queensland was a potentially season-ending arm injury to halfback Scott Prince which Titans chief executive Michael Searle said would keep him sidelined for 10 to 12 weeks.

Second-rower Nate Myles, magnificent in the skirmishes, faces six to eight weeks out of the game after being placed on report for a grade three dangerous throw on NSW forward Ben Cross.

"The game lived up to everything," Price said.

"There was nothing between the two teams. A couple of freakish things and a couple of individuals was the difference in the end."

Price said he doubted there was much he and Civoniceva wouldn't do for each other.

"I love playing with Pet, it's special bond and trust we have in each other," he said.

"Pet said we'd have a talk tonight (about next year).

"If I'm playing in the NRL, I'll be putting my hand up and hope selectors don't worry about the number that's on the end of my birth certificate.

As they do so often in Origin, Queensland looked beaten so many times until man-of-the-series Johnathan Thurston produced his favourite "show and go" play to set up a try for Billy Slater to break a 10-10 deadlock in the 67th minute.

"That was better than a grand final," said an elated Slater whose incredible cleaning up of grubber kicks in the final minutes saved Queensland over and over.

Wiry haired Sam Thaiday couldn't wipe the smile of his face.

"This is crazy," he beamed through his pearly white teeth.

"This is why you play."

Slater said everyone felt sad for Prince who has to be one of the unluckiest players after two serious leg injuries early in his career.

"I saw him go straight off," said Slater who moved to fullback with Karmichael Hunt shifting to five-eighth.

"Knowing Princey, I knew something was serious for him to go off.

"It's tough for him but he'll come back like he has before."

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