Queensland turned their 23-18 Origin victory celebrations into a big birthday party for coach Mal Meninga and young forward Dave Taylor in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Joined by about 200 supporters, including family and friends, the players donned party hats and silly glasses before singing `happy birthday' to Meninga, who turned 50 and Taylor, who welcomed in his 22nd birthday.

"I'd like to thank the team for a wonderful series," said Taylor, his birthday cake looking more like a cup cake in his massive hands.

"It's incredible to be here and to win on my birthday is something very special."

Before the rowdy birthday celebrations got into full swing, Meninga presented a number of awards including the prestigious player's player and Ron McAuliffe medal - an award named in honour of the former Queensland Rugby League chairman whose vision along with NSW counterpart Kevin Humphries led to the birth of the Origin concept in 1980.

Man-of-the-match and Wally Lewis player-of-the-series, Billy Slater, completed a memorable night adding Queensland's player's player trophy to his haul.

Brisbane forward Sam Thaiday's magnificent series earned him the McAuliffe award.

"It (McAuliffe medal) could have gone to any one of a number of players," Meninga told guests.

"We only used 19 players such is the resilience, toughness and attitude of the players, they love putting on the Maroon jersey.

"We could have named exciting people like Johnathan (Thurston) or Darren Lockyer but we all realise the foundation for these wins comes from the forwards and it goes to our back-rower with the long locks, Sam Thaiday."

Thaiday was close to player-of-the-match in all three Origins and on Wednesday night he was in the thick of everything, including a few scuffles.

"What a great honour to be part of such a great team," said Thaiday

"Hopefully we can do it all again next year."

Queensland didn't forget its long-serving prop Steve Price either.

Price, who played 28 Origins, was denied a farewell series by a foot injury which forced him to announce his retirement last month.

Price collected the award named after the late Peter Jackson, acknowledging a significant Origin contribution.

Fittingly, front-row "twin" Petero Civoniceva accepted the award on Price's behalf.

"I know Pricey would be very proud to win this," said Civoniceva who played 17 Origins with him.

"It's never easy when you see a great champion not go out on his terms but unfortunately it was a pretty bad injury he suffered.

"Pricey will always be a part of this team and a huge part of setting the standards and values of this football team."

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