The Queensland rugby league team has beaten New South Wales 28-18 in the opening match of the State of Origin series in Melbourne.
The Maroons' all-Australian backline and bruising forward pack were tested by a late Blues comeback, but prevailed to kick-start an historic bid for four consecutive series wins.
Three Queensland tries in eight minutes during the first half knocked the stuffing out of the Blues, who were never able to recover from an 18-6 deficit at the break.
Centre Greg Inglis scored twice for Queensland, while Billy Slater, Jonathon Thurston and darius Boyd also touched down... New South Wales scored 3 tries.
