Queensland, attempting to win its fifth consecutive Origin series, silenced a crowd of 68,000 at the former Olympic stadium in Sydney, scoring three second-half tries after leading 12-8 after 40 minutes.
The second match is scheduled for June 16 in Brisbane and the third July 7 in Sydney.
Strong defense dominated the opening half in slippery and rainy conditions.
New South Wales led 8-6 before Queensland halfback Jonathan Thurston and Billy Slater combined to put the Maroons into the lead.
On the final tackle, Thurston deftly hooked a banana kick infield off the inside of his boot which Slater scooped up inches off the ground for his eighth try in Origin play.
“We were slow out of the blocks but got some good tries in the end,” Thurston added. “It’s the Queensland way—it’s our never-give-up attitude. This team’s got a special bond.”
New South Wales opened the scoring off a fumbled kick after Blues forward Anthony Watmough put up a desperate last-play bomb. Winger Jarryd Hayne was the recipient of some fumbling by Darius Boyd and Thurston, scoring the easiest of his six Origin tries for a 6-0 lead.
Queensland got back on equal terms when Thurston looped a pass to allow Boyd to cross out wide before the test halfback added the two extra points.
Jamie Lyon kicked the Blues ahead 8-6 in the 29th minute with a penalty.
“In the conditions, once we held on to the football, we were able to control the game,” Lockyer said. “At the start of the game, it was really tough. But once we got into the ground, it went well.”
Slater said he was surprised that more than 50 points were scored on a slick field.
“I thought it was going to be a slog, but we played very well in the second half,” Slater said.
Scores:
Queensland 28 (Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Darren Lockyer, Billy Slater, Sam Thaiday tries; Johnathan Thurston 4 goals), New South Wales 24 (Ben Creagh, Jarryd Hayne, Jamal Idris, Anthony Watmough tries; Jamie Lyon 4 goals). Halftime: 12-8.
