Most importantly for the Blues, Nathan Cleary, who to this point has only ever had one question mark over his superlative career – can he perform in the cauldron of Origin? – was superlative.

Origin is faster, the gaps close quicker and the defence is more disciplined than in the NRL. Nathan Cleary will have more space and can do more damage outside Mitchell Moses.

The NSW No.7 has dominated the Origin decider as a Blues upset secures the second series win of Laurie Daley’s coaching career.