NSW prop Brett White says it was "purely the passion of Origin" which led to the on-field fireworks sparked by his knockout punch during Wednesday night's series finale.

White's toe-to-toe punch-up with Queensland prop Steve Price led to the Melbourne player knocking Price out cold.

Blues forward Trent Waterhouse then entered the fray to rough up Price and was sent off, and two others were sin-binned in a violent and memorable climax certain to ensure tensions remain elevated for the 2010 series opener.

White said the fiery finish showed just how much state passion meant to the players involved in State of Origin rugby league.

"It was purely the passion of Origin," White said.

"That's the thing about Origin - 80 minutes after the game had started everybody is still desperate to win the game, and sometimes things boil over.

"Two book-ends (front-rowers) go at it. It's left on the football field. End of story."

White, who was recalled to add some grunt to the NSW pack for Origin III, said the Blues' 28-16 victory to restore pride after losing the series could be an important springboard for 2010.

"Hopefully that's the start of getting some confidence back for NSW and the supporters," White said.

"It's important we did that (won) last night, to get one back. Next year - that was the start of it."

White has no ill-effects from the bruising clash at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

He looks certain to back up for the Storm in their NRL clash with Parramatta on Monday night.

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