BY STAFF WRITERS

New South Wales were charging toward a State of Origin three-peat under Brad Fittler… and then Queensland happened.

The Maroons once again proved that you’re never dead in Origin and the QLD spirit was alive and well.

Fittler must have surely seen it coming – NSW must have expected it.

Yet the Blues couldn’t stop it.

NSW lost the series everyone thought impossible to lose.

The Maroons knew if they could somehow jag a win in Adelaide in Game I they could steal the series at home in Brisbane.

“I think they did a great job. I think in Adelaide, coming from 10-0 down, if I sort of think where we lost the series I’ve got to go back to the first half in Adelaide where we just didn’t take advantage at all,” Fittler said after Wednesday’s decider.

Now Fittler must embrace the backlash.

This series loss is on him.

The Blues didn’t pay the Queensland jersey enough respect.

Wayne Bennett and Daly Cherry-Evans have taught the Blues an Origin lesson or two in the last three weeks.

Paul Gallen said this was the worst Queensland team in history.

He’ll be eating those words for the rest of his life.

Cherry-Evans then took the stage to accept the shield.

“On behalf of the worst ever Queensland team, thank you very much,” he laughed.

Laugh long and loud Queensland.

You deserve it.