Former Queensland coach Wayne Bennett has torched NSW pair Jarryd Hayne and Wade Graham for two crucial moments in the Blues' State of Origin II collapse.
The Blues were leading 16-6 in the first half when Hayne found himself in a two-on-one with Maroons winger Dane Gagai but opted to run the ball himself and was herded into touch.
Bennett also sprayed NSW forward Wade Graham for his jumping out of the line and missing Josh McGuire that led to Dane Gagai's first try, and ignited Queensland's comeback.
"It always gets down to the little things. There was two or three little moments in the second half that proved the difference," Bennett said on Triple M's Marto, Ed and Robin program.
"When Graham shot out of the line instead of staying put - that second try doesn't happen."
The Brisbane mentor also lashed out at Hayne, admitting he wouldn't have even waited until the players moved into the sheds before pointing out his mistake.
"For Jarryd Hayne, there's no excuses for why he didn't pass the ball to Morris," Bennett said.
"I would have said it to them as they were leaving the field. He's too good a player for him to do what he did. If he's a young guy just learning his trade and all that, then that can happen.
"But that guy is a champion player and he made a very poor decision."
The Maroons' win means the series heads back to Suncorp Stadium for the decider on July 12 in what will also be Johnathan Thurston's farewell.
The party could also extend to veterans Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater, both of whom are without NRL contracts beyond November.
Bennett said he was excited at what could unfold in game three.
"I got up this morning, excited thinking about game three, because they've both been tremendous games. NSW, overall last night, they looked the better team," he said.
"But the bottom line is they weren't because Queensland just wouldn't go away and Queensland won't go away in game three.
"Queensland just don't give them the opportunities they give us and that makes the difference on a night like last night and there wasn't a lot of difference between both teams."
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