It's over - New South Wales end their horrendous eight year hoodoo

They did it! They finally did it. New South Wales defeated Queensland 6 - 4 to stop the rot, and claim their first series win since 2005.

The Blues celebrate their hard earned victory 

It wasn't the prettiest win for the Blues on Wednesday, but, it was a win. And when it comes to State of Origin football, it really doesn't matter how you win. The Blues certainly made a good account of themselves in game one, and full-back, Jarryd Hayne, showcased why he is one of the best number ones in Australia with an inspirational display.

They did it tough up in Queensland, and game two was made easier with it being on home turf. Queensland were missing Cooper Cronk, who broke his arm in the first encounter. Sam Thaiday returned to the Maroons' pack, a big bonus for them.

The first half proved to be a bruising affair, both sides flying out of the defensive lines to put pressure on the play makers. Cherry-Evans and Thurston felt the full force of heavy collisions from their opponents. New South Wales' discipline costed them four points on the board in the opening forty, Thurston slotted over two penalty goals to give his side the advantage. Queensland's discipline wasn't much better, penalty on penalty awarded the Blues' way for different offenses throughout the half.

In the second forty, we finally saw some entertaining football played from both sides, instead of the tough stuff we'd seen before the break. Speaking of tough, Brent Tate departed the scene with what looked to be a bad knee injury. Even a brave player like Tate couldn't continue.

With the game hanging in the balance, the Blues began to mount the pressure on the 4X Maroons. They got themselves a few repeat sets, but, the home side didn't look clinical in attack, and looked to be in panic mode to try and snatch a try. But, their luck came through. Trent Hodkinson taking the line on, throwing a dummy, and cutting open the impregnable Queensland defensive line to go over. Hodkinson added the extras from a seemingly easy angle, and nudged the Blues in front by two.

As expected, the Maroons tried everything to save the series. McQueen's hopeful kick down field was collected by Jarryd Hayne, who ran away to the northern end of the ground, punted the ball into the Blatchy's Blues supporters, and Hayne stood on the advertising boards as though he was the Cristo Redentor in Rio de Janeiro.

But, that was it. New South Wales had finally stopped this unbelievably talented rugby league side from creating more history. You could see from the post-match celebrations how much it meant to the Blues. The hug between Laurie Daley and Paul Gallen and the tears from Jarryd Hayne in his interview after the game, goes to show what sport means to people. Some athletes would do anything to win, especially Origin players. Sometimes, anything might not be enough to win. But, the Blues did it, and no matter what happens back up in Brisbane for game three. Paul Gallen can raise the Holden State of Origin trophy high and enjoy the winning feeling once more.