Never say die.
An ageing Queensland again provided a cruel reminder to NSW of their unofficial motto with a remarkable come-from-behind 18-16 State of Origin game two win in Sydney on Wednesday night.
Much to Maroons coach Kevin Walters' relief.
In just his second year at the helm, Walters was under the pump as experts predicted the end of the Maroons era of dominance on Wednesday night.
Queensland Rugby League big wigs were even forced to deny reports that Wayne Bennett was on standby to take over from Walters next year if the Maroons lost the 2017 series.
And it appeared Walters was on borrowed time as NSW cruised to a 16-6 halftime lead in game two at ANZ Stadium, to be in sight of just their second series win since 2005.
The most inexperienced Maroons pack in 20 years seemed to have no answer for the rampaging Blues.
Yet when the dust settled, the Maroons remained on track to claim their 11th series in 12 years in July 12's decider at Suncorp Stadium.
Winger Dane Gagai's second half try-scoring double set up the comeback before veteran playmaker Johnathan Thurston nailed a sideline conversion in the dying moments to seal the incredible win.
"The Queensland team, they've got so many champions in them, you always think you're a chance regardless of the scoreboard," Walters said of yet another Maroons comeback.
"I was just very happy for the players.
"They've been put through the wringer since the team was announced for game two.
"Like the champions they are, they put in a performance tonight. We needed 17 for them to get the result they did."
The Maroons' record game one loss forced selectors to wield the axe for Origin II.
In the biggest team shakeup in 15 years, Queensland made seven changes and named four debutants for game two.
Yet the Maroons still notched just their third Origin win in their past 13 game two clashes in Sydney.
Suffice to say Queensland skipper Cameron Smith cut a satisfied figure at the post match press conference.
"There's been a lot of talk about our side over not only this match but the first game as well," he said.
"To put ourselves where we are now where the series is level and to go back home for the decider is pretty special."
Smith said no one lost their head at halftime as the Blues threatened to bulldoze their way to a third straight win over Queensland, the first time they achieved the feat since game one 2006.
"It helps having older guys in the side no doubt to have that level head in the big moments," he said.
Then Smith offered a sobering warning to NSW ahead of game three.
"I still feel we can be better. We weren't as good as we can be."
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