BBC SPORT | RUGBY LEAGUE | Langer inspires masterful Maroons

Queensland 40-14 New South Wales

Allan Langer rewarded the faith placed in him by the Queensland selectors to put the skids under NSW in the deciding State of Origin clash in Brisbane.

The Warrington Wolves star was a shock call-up to the Maroons squad but showed he had lost none of his skills and zest for the game by scoring a try and setting up two others in the 40-14 victory at the ANZ Stadium.

"It's just a dream come true," said the 34-year-old. "The last two weeks has just been a fairytale for me."

Langer set up tries for Paul Bowman and Darren Lockyer before crossing himself in the 54th minute.

Bryan Fletcher is hauled back by Queensland's Ben Wagon
Fletcher is hauled back by Queensland's Wagon
Centre Ryan Girdler scored all the Blues' points, going over for two tries and adding two conversions and a penalty.

His first try came after just 39 seconds, standing up Bowman and then fending off Darren Smith as he crossed in the left corner.

Bowman scored the Maroons' first touch down in the 15th minute and then added his second in the 61st when he stepped around Girdler and Blues' skipper Brad Fittler.

For Fittler, it was a disappointing end to his Origin career.

He missed two crucial tackles and failed to spark an attack for the NSW's backline.

Lockyer scored his second try in the 71st minute when he took an inside ball from Carl Webb and outpaced the defence in a 20m sprint for the line.

Chris Walker also scored two tries for Queensland.

Queensland took a 1-0 lead in the series with a 34-16 win at Lang Park in the opener before NSW leveled with a 26-8 win at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

It was the Maroons' 10th series win in 20 Origins.


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