Lockyer lifts the Origin trophy

New South Wales 14 (4)
Tries: Grothe 2, King
Goals: Hodgson

Queensland 16 (4)
Tries: Tate, Mogg, Lockyer
Goals: Schifcofske 2

A late try by Queensland captain Darren Lockyer helped clinch a dramatic 2-1 State of Origin series victory over New South Wales in Melbourne.

Queensland looked down and out midway through the second half when they trailed 14-4 thanks to controversial tries from Matt King and Eric Grothe.

But Brent Tate went over to give Queensland hope with nine minutes left.

Lockyer's try levelled it after an error from Brett Hodgson and Clinton Schifcofske kept cool for the extras.

Queensland made the brighter start with winger Adam Mogg putting them in front thanks to his third try in two Origin games from Johnathan Thurston's chip kick.

But Thurston turned villain on 25 minutes when his pass to Mogg was intercepted by Grothe who raced the length of the pitch to score a spectacular try.

New South Wales took control as the half went on as Queensland seemed to tire but the sides still went in level at the break.

There was controversy early in the second half when Tonie Carroll looked to have put Queensland ahead again after a mistake by Grothe. However, the try was controversially disallowed by the video referee for a push by Carroll on Hodgson.

Queensland's luck then seemed to be out when Matt King went over to edge New South Wales in front.

Worse was to follow when Grothe claimed his second try despite an apparent knock-on in the build-up but the video referee ruled in New South Wales' favour.

But Queensland refused to give up and Tate's try was a huge boost to their hopes.

With the tension rising, Lockyer, who won the man of the series award, capitalised on a wayward Hodgson pass to power over the line and give Schifcofske the chance to clinch a first series win in four years.

New South Wales: Hodgson, Grothe, King, Cooper, Tahu, Gasnier, Gower, Mason, Buderus, Bailey, Simpson, Hindmarsh, O'Donnell. Replacements: Gallen, Hornby, O'Meley, Menzies.