For New South Wales, Brett Stewart scored two tries, Josh Morris scored one and Todd Carney converted two goals.
For Queensland, Ben Hannant and Greg Inglis were the try-scorers with two goals from Johnathan Thurston.
The match was refereed by Ben Cummins and Tony Archer.
There will be a deciding third match in Brisbane.
Highlights
41st minute: Corey Parker's night ends as he leaves the field with a big gash to his left leg.
42nd minute: Cronk sent to the sin bin for holding Carney back with the Blues five-eighth in a try-scoring position. Carney kicks the penalty goal, levelling scores at 6-all.
44th minute: Brett Stewart scores his second of the night, backing up a brilliant Carney break in midfield. Carney converts. 12-6 NSW.
48th minute: NSW are in again, this time it is Josh Morris finishing off another long-range try. Jarryd Hayne makes the initial bust, before fortuitously dropping the ball onto his boot - Morris outpaces Greg Inglis to the ball and then the tryline. Carney's conversion is wide. 16-6 NSW.
62nd minute: Inglis scores his 14th Origin try. The centre touches down out wide, making the most of Darius Boyd's clever bat down of a Thurston kick. Thurston produces a brilliant conversion from the sideline. 16-12 NSW.
71st minute: Tate bombs a chance to level the scores, with Michael Jennings forcing an error as Tate attempts to score a try.
80th minute: Justin Hodges knocks on, ending Queensland's final attacking raid as NSW hang on for victory
