Maroons players have backed themselves to regain the Origin Shield by becoming the first Queensland team to win back-to-back away games after losing the series opener.
Led by new captain Cameron Munster, the Maroons bounced back from an 18-6 defeat in Origin I at Suncorp Stadium to triumph 26-24 in Perth on Wednesday night and keep the series alive.
However, Queensland must now create history to win back the State of Origin Shield by defeating the Blues in another away match at Accor Stadium on July 9.
It was a feat NSW achieved last year - losing the series opener in Sydney and triumphing in Melbourne and Brisbane to claim the Origin Shield for the first time since 2022.
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Captain Munster leads from the front
Queensland have won back-to-back Origins on the road just twice - in 1995 and 2009 - but never when the series was on the line in a decider.
However, Maroons forward Pat Carrigan said the players were confident they could overcome the odds to spring another upset at Accor Stadium after ending their worst losing streak since 2005-2006 in Perth.
“We picked the hard road, but I wouldn't want to be with any other group of guys and have any other challenge," Carrigan said after Queensland's first win since the opening game of last year's series in Sydney.
“We know the quality of the opposition we are up against, but I'm confident that if we can tidy up even more things and get our footy on, then we're going to have a footy team that our state will be proud of.
“It's just another venue at the end of the day.”
While Carrigan had been one of Queensland's best performing forwards in the opening game loss, Maroons coach Billy Slater wanted him to provide impact off the bench in Origin II.
An unusual role for Carrigan, who either starts at lock or prop for the Broncos, it took a moment of adjustment, but he was happy to do whatever it took for the team.
“I don't know what was harder, usually being out there in those tough moments when you're hanging on, or sitting on the bench watching it, but the boys were tough and it was nice to see," Carrigan said.
"It was a different role ... I was a bit nervous watching, but there's a great group of guys here and Bill drives the culture of being selfless so whatever my role is for the team, then that's what matters the most.
“Bringing that impact role off the bench and trying to get us on the front foot is where we're going and if I can pull on a Queensland jersey and play for my state and play for Bill, I'll play anywhere."
Slater also made the huge call to elevate Tom Dearden into the halfback role in place of former skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, while Trent Loiero started at lock in place of Carrigan and Jeremiah Nanai also moved to the bench.
Warriors utility Kurt Capewell replaced Nanai in the secondrow and he proved to be one of Queensland's best, scoring a try and stiffening the defence on his side.
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Slater on Capewell: "There's a reason why the Warriors are doing well"
“It was good out there, very happy to be back," Capewell said. “The second half probably wasn't as good as what we would have liked, but happy to get the win.
“We started really well, we planned all week to get our footy on and I thought our halves and playmakers really stood up and led us around the park really well."
The Maroons ran out as named, with Slater resisting calls to start hooker Harry Grant from the bench, but there was one late change, with wingers Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Xavier Coates switching sides.
The move paid dividends with Tabuai-Fidow scoring two tries on the right wing.
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The Hammer drops in Perth
“Xavier Coates plays on the left-hand side all the time … we just felt that that was the best look for our footy team," Slater said.
“We analyse our game, we look at our players, and we try and build Queensland's best footy team.
“The players have had a great attitude this week, and whether a player's moved from the starting team to the bench or switch sides and switch positions, there hasn't been one whinge.
“We're playing for Queensland at the end of the day. We're wearing the maroon jersey and that has always been the first and foremost thought in our minds. That's our priority."
