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QUEENSLAND's record dynasty is one loss away from crumbling after halfback Cooper Cronk's broken arm personified the cracks in the Maroons' Origin campaign.
In a superb interstate heart-stopper at Suncorp Stadium, the brave Blues stunned a pro-Maroons crowd of 52,111 with an epic 12-8 boilover in Origin's 100th match.
If NSW coach Laurie Daley's troops can clinch victory in the return bout in Sydney on June 18, Queensland's remarkable eight-year reign will be officially over.
ORIGIN PLAYER RATINGS
MATCH CENTRE: GAME DETAILS AND STATS
Brent Tate caught in a dangerous tackle. Picture: Josh Woning Source: News Corp Australia
Greg Inglis fumes. Source: Getty Images
Thousands of Queenslanders flocked to Suncorp on a night where the Maroons were expected to pay homage to their late, great pioneer Arthur Beetson.
But not even the spirit of Artie could inspire the Maroons as the loss of Cronk in the 10th minute underscored Queensland's night of misery.
Down 4-0 early, the Blues bolted to a 12-4 half-time lead and withstood a ferocious Queensland fightback in the dying minutes to stun the Maroons.
Jarryd Hayne and Anthony Watmough celebrate. Source: Getty Images
Without Cronk, coach Mal Meninga turned to Daly Cherry-Evans, but the Maroons lacked the cohesion and execution that has been a trademark of their ruthless reign.
When the full-time siren sounded, Blues players embraced like they had won the grand final. The Maroons must now regroup quickly as Cherry-Evans prepares to give Queensland a view of the future when he wears the No.7 jumper in game two.
Darius Boyd (R) scores one of two tries. Picture: Darren England Source: News Corp Australia
Darius Boyd scores. Picture: Darren England Source: News Corp Australia
Maroons fullback Billy Slater was easily Queensland's best player, but not even a double from Darius Boyd could get his side home.
"That was tough, it was very disappointing," Slater said.
"To go down by four points was tough but that's Origin."
Paul Gallen down injured. Picture: Darren England Source: News Corp Australia
Queensland's pre-match preparation is certain to be put under the microscope following the performance.
There was a school of thought Meninga's troops were too relaxed in Camp Maroon. While the Blues applied a forensic edge with sleep monitors and saliva testing, the Maroons trained just once in a 72-hour period between Thursday and Saturday.
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When Queensland embarked on a tour of Dreamworld on Monday night, NSW were entitled to think the cocky Maroons were treating Origin like a fun-park joyride.
On match eve, Meninga spoke about the perils of a poor start after Queensland were beaten to the punch in game one last year.
Brett Morris down injured. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: News Corp Australia
Brett Morris crosses for a try. Source: Getty Images
The Maroons played up tempo from the outset, needing just three minutes to penetrate the Blues when Chris McQueen brushed off a feeble Beau Scott attempt.
It seemed a familiar Origin theme for the best part of the past decade. The Blues vulnerable. The Queensland juggernaut full of verve. And when Boyd slithered over in the corner for his 13th Origin try from a scrum win, it felt like Groundhog Day at Suncorp.
Then something strange happened. For once, the Maroons machine needed a mid-match grease-and-oil change.
For the past eight campaigns, the Thurston, Cronk and Cameron Smith troika has been impervious to injury. But when Cronk collided with Ryan Hoffman, shattering his arm, Cherry-Evans was pitchforked into halfback in a forced reshuffle.
It was a glimpse of Queensland's future. But in the present, NSW held their nerve and slowly, almost imperceptibly, turned the Maroon tide, finding an X-factor in Hayne.
Jarryd Hayne was the NSW x-factor. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia
The second half was classic Origin. It was blow-for-blow, high-octane football built on courage and effort. In the end, it came down to belief ... and finally NSW appear to have it.
NSW BLUES 12 (Brett Morris, Jarryd Hayne tries, Trent Hodkinson 2/4 goals), QUEENSLAND MAROONS 8 (Darius Boyd 2 tries, Johnathan Thurston 0/2 goals)
See how we covered the game live.
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