Lote Tuqiri came up with a hat-trick of tries as Queensland fought off a thrilling New South Wales challenge to level the Australian State of Origin series at one game apiece.

The Brisbane Broncos winger forced his way over under the posts right on the final whistle to finally make the game safe for the Maroons.

As the match entered the final quarter they had looked like winning with some comfort, but Shaun Timmins raced over for NSW to narrow the gap to two points.

Andrew Johns had the chance to level the match, but his conversion hit the post.

By contrast Tuqiri converted his final score and also added the extras as Gorden Tallis and Dane Carlaw went over in the second half.

The Maroons twice threw the ball away behind their own line to hand tries to Braith Anasta and Luke Ricketson and keep NSW in the hunt.

And although Timmins' score set Queensland pulses racing, Tuqiri's late try wrapped up a Queensland victory that ensures the series will be decided in the final game.

Tuqiri's last-gasp score was not only a deserved reward for the powerful winger but also removed the responsibility of defeat from Johns, who was once again outstanding for the Blues.

His kicking game kept NSW in the hunt throughout the game as Queensland turned in a vastly improved performance from their dire display in Origin I.

Johns' excels

Twice in the first half Johns' kicks almost brought NSW tries and when they did finally get on the board, after Origin debutant Justin Hodges threw the ball away behind his own line, it was from another Johns kick.

That score went to Anasta and Johns' conversion took the visitors into a 6-4 lead, with Tuqiri opening the scoring for the Maroons.

The big winger added a second unconverted try to give Queensland an 8-6 lead at the break, and in the second half the game turned into a classic.

Cute pass

Tallis thundered over from 40 yards after NSW had spilled the ball, with Tuqiri converting, and although Johns slotted a penalty to narrow the gap to 14-8 the Maroons looked in control.

They took the lead out to 12 points when Carlow sped over from Alan Langer's cute popped pass, Tuqiri again converting, but then Hodges again threw the ball away behind his own line.

This time it was Ricketson who pounced, and with Johns kicking his seventh kick out of seven during the series NSW were back in the hunt.

When Timmins dummied over it gave Johns the chance to level the scores at 20-20, and it would have been harsh on the skilful half-back if his missed kick had been the difference.

Instead up stepped Tuqiri to seal the victory and send the series into the final game, in front of New South Wales' fans in Sydney on 19 June, with all to play for.