If there was ever any doubt, Queensland again illustrated what a great State of Origin side they were in thrashing NSW 52-6 in the interstate series decider on Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium.
Johnathan Thurston and man of the series Corey Parker led the way for the home side in Justin Hodges' farewell Origin game, as a Maroons tide swept the Blues aside to score the biggest win in Origin history.
On the back of a glut of possession and field position in the opening half, Queensland led 22-2 at halftime and went on with the job after the break.
"We had a point to prove after losing last year's series," Thurston told the Nine Network.
"Everyone wrote us off (as being too old) but we showed what a champion side we are again tonight.
"There is not a better feeling than winning a State of Origin decider in Queensland."
First-half tries to Dane Gagai, Josh Papalii and Greg Inglis paved the way for the massive Queensland win as the Blues' poor discipline and dropped ball cost them dearly.
The Blues had no answer to anything the Maroons did, with a runaway try to Michael Jennings in the 60th minute their sole four-pointer.
Matt Gillett, Michael Morgan, Darius Boyd, Will Chambers and Aidan Guerra added second-half four-pointers for the home side.
"This is exactly the way I wanted to go out," Hodges said.
Blues skipper Paul Gallen said it was "just one of those nights".
"There's not a lot more to say," he said.
Maroons skipper Cameron Smith said his side had answered its critics in emphatic fashion.
"There were a lot of question marks raised after our performance in the last game, but look at the scoreboard - that is the best answer," Smith said.
To make matters worse for the Blues, Trent Merrin and Trent Hodkinson were put on report for an ugly tackle on Parker in the 34th minute, while James Tamou copped likewise for a hit on Jacob Lillyman in the 54th minute.
The Blues had hoped this would be a night they would start to create their own dynasty but Queensland wrested back control of the interstate series. They have won nine of the past 10 series, after NSW's victory last year.
Queensland won game one in Sydney 11-10, with NSW winning 26-18 in game two at the MCG.
As expected, Michael Ennis was a late inclusion for Robbie Farah at hooker for NSW, while Ryan Hoffman suffered an early calf injury and didn't return.
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