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New South Wales won the battle, but Queensland won the State of Origin war 2-1, after the Blues recorded a 24-10 triumph in Sydney
The Blues' victory was built off the back of a brilliant, ten-minute first-half burst, highlighted by a stunning solo try to Josh Addo-Carr — although Queensland's Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow hit back with a try of equal skill not long after.
Here's the five things you may have missed from State of Origin Game III.
1. No try to Bradman Best, but Cody Walker provides an early warning for Queensland
Origin debutant Bradman Best almost had the perfect first touch for the Blues, the 21-year-old diving over the line to score, only for the Bunker to rule against him for offside in the build up.
That try didn't stand — and although Best did go on to score later in the half — that wasn't the only warning the Blues had sent the Queenslanders early.
Recalled Rabbitohs veteran Cody Walker was a constant threat down the left side, opening up space for both Best and Addo-Carr.
Walker drifted out repeatedly, drawing in Queensland defenders.
"He's got them bamboozled on that left edge," said former Blues coach Phil Gould on Channel 9.
All three of the the Blues' first-half tries came via breaks down the left side and a key part of that was Walker, who excelled on his first Blues appearance since 2020.
2. The Fox cuts loose
Josh Addo-Carr loves Origin.
Coming into Game II, the Foxx had 14 appearances and scored 10 tries, embodying his position as one of the most prolific wingers in rugby league.
His last try though, came in 2021, after missing last year's series and failing to cross in Game I or II this year.
It was probably for the best that he made his return to the Origin try-scoring ranks a special one, then.
After some excellent work from the impressive and busy Walker on the left edge, Addo-Carr found himself in space with the ball in his hands down the left touchline and just Maroons fullback AJ Brimson ahead of him.
Backing his pace, Addo-Carr lifted the ball over the Titan's fullback with a cultured right boot and ran round him to re-gather the ball and score in the corner.
It was a magical solo score that bore significant resemblance to Billy Slater's stunning effort all the way back in 2004 — although the current Maroons coach was probably not in a position to enjoy it too much.
3. Fine margins for AJ Brimson
Origin matches are decided on fine margins.
The right choice here, the wrong one there, all can contribute to the end result.
After conceding three quick tries to fall 16-6 behind, Queensland needed a spark.
A successful short kick off almost ensured that happened, but it was a brilliant offload that could have had a far bigger impact.
When Harry Grant's stunning offload freed AJ Brimson right down the middle of the field mid-way through the first half, it looked like Queensland would hit back in the most dramatic way.
Instead, as Brimson raced down towards NSW fullback James Tedesco, he attempted to pass to Daly Cherry-Evans on his right.
The pass went to ground, which was bad enough, but there were also options to his left that might have provided a different outcome.
4. Anything you can do, Tabuai-Fidow can do better
That 10-minute burst of brilliance from the Blues had put Queensland very much on the back foot.
Trailing 16-6 heading into the break would not have been terminal for Queensland's chances of completing the sweep, but it wouldn't have hurt to get some points back.
As ever for Queensland in this series, it was hammer time.
It came off a power run by Lindsay Collins, who put the Blues on the back foot with a barnstorming run up the middle.
Daly Cherry-Evans shifted the angle of attack on one of the Maroons rare forays forward to the left, the ball eventually finding its way to Tabuai-Fidow.
The Dolphins winger shifted his stance, darted through a minuscule gap before kicking the ball on and streaking past Brian To'o like he was running in treacle.
The Hammer gathered, scored and reduced the gap to six.
5. Tedesco shows his class
With the Blues suffering another series defeat, there was just as much pressure on fullback and skipper James Tedesco as there was coach Brad Fittler.
Tedesco had not performed at his best in Games I or II, but was back to his brilliant best in Sydney to set up the match-sealing try.
The Roosters number one inserted himself into the line on the left edge and got on the outside of Cherry-Evans, then fending off Xavier Coates before bursting into the clear.
Best was in support on his inside and he sprinted through to claim a debut double and save New South Wales' blushes.
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