New South Wales produced a commanding performance to beat favourites Queensland 30-12 in Brisbane and clinch the 2026 State of Origin series, with half-back Nathan Cleary the standout figure. Cleary, who had lost his three previous involvements in Origin deciders, scored two tries and kicked five goals in a display that vindicated under-pressure Blues coach Laurie Daley, who is out of contract now the series is over and had faced criticism over his selections.

Cleary opened the scoring after sustained pressure and added a second following breaks from recalled forward Liam Martin and Mark Nawaqanitawase, before setting up Cameron Murray to establish an 18-0 lead. Queensland hit back through Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo, but two second-half video review decisions went against them — allowing Bradman Best's length-of-the-field try to stand despite an apparent knock-on, and ruling out a Robert Toia score for offside. Full-back James Tedesco was forced off with a head injury, and Hudson Young added a late try, with Queensland missing all three of their goal-kicking attempts.