MATCH DETAILS NSW: 36 Tries: Gasnier 2, Barrett, Rooney, Minichiello, Fittler Goals: Fitzgibbon 4, Gasnier Queensland: 14 Tries: Slater, Bowen Goals: Smith 3 All the action as it happened

The Blues led 18-8 at half-time after two tries from Mark Gasnier and one from Trent Barrett.

And after the break, they extended their lead with touchdowns from Luke Rooney, Anthony Minichiello and Origin legend Brad Fittler.

Queensland, who were outplayed for most of the game, landed just two tries through Billy Slater and Matt Bowen.

The victory meant the Blues secured the Origin series 2-1.

Queensland won the second match in Brisbane 22-18 after New South Wales took the first 9-8 in Sydney.

There was no fairytale - I've had a fairytale run my whole life Brad Fittler

It was a fitting end for New South Wales coach Phil Gould and stand-off Fittler who made their final bow in representative football as winners.

Fittler brought the capacity crowd of more than 82,000 packed into Sydney's Telstra Stadium to its feet after he charged down an attempted clearance kick with six minutes left and scored under the posts.

But, after the match, he was determined to put the try into the context of his career.

"There was no fairytale," said Fittler. "I've had a fairytale run my whole life."

Gould retires, having won 14 of 24 Origin matches and six series.

New South Wales: Minichiello, Rooney, Cooper, Gasnier, Lewis, Fittler, Barrett, Tyles, Buderus, O'Meley, Hindmarsh, Fitzgibbon, Timmins
Replacements: Mason, Kite, Kennedy, Wing.

Queensland: Wesser, Sing, Tate, Tonga, Slater, Lockyer, Prince, Webcke, Smith, Price, Crocker, Carlaw, Flannery.
Replacements: Ross, Civoniceva, Bowman, Bowen.

Referee: Paul Simpkins (Australia)