Ben Hunt helped restore some pride for Queensland in a 20-18 win that ensured New South Wales did not complete a State of Origin clean sweep at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on Wednesday night.

In an action-packed match in which the lead changed numerous times, Hunt collected two tries and pulled off a match-saving tackle and Kalyn Ponga delivered the poise and class to ensure the home side finished the series on a high after a 50-6 loss in Townsville and a 26-0 loss in Brisbane.

It also gave rookie Maroons coach Paul Green his first Origin win.

The Maroons made a bright start for the first time in the series, with Valentine Holmes securing a 2-0 lead from a ruck interference penalty near the posts in the fifth minute.

But any complacency was short lived, with Blues centre Latrell Mitchell working his magic in the 10th minute to dice over.

"He's making them look silly!" 🤯

Latrell is TOYING with the best players in the world, and it looks way too easy.

Watch: Channel 9
Stream: https://t.co/iKXmfFmAC5#9WWOS #NRL #Origin pic.twitter.com/XskgzKNe0m

— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) July 14, 2021

Mitchell duly converted for a 6-2 lead.

The Maroons were unlucky not to strike back almost instantly through a Holmes try, but referee Gerard Sutton correctly ruled a knock-on.

But the pain was short lived as 19-year-old Origin debutant Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow crossed for a try.

The North Queensland Cowboy was rewarded for backing up the charging run of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who had been put into a gap by Maroons five-eight Cameron Munster.

Holmes collected the extra two points to provide the 8-6 lead.

The Maroons applied plenty of pressure to extend their advantage, but solid Blues defence meant the sides went to the break with just two points separating the sides.

The new Blues halves link up and they take the lead. 💪💙

Watch: Channel 9
Stream: https://t.co/iKXmfFmAC5#9WWOS #NRL #Origin pic.twitter.com/1pODEcFAiI

— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) July 14, 2021

Five-eight Jack Wighton restored NSW’s lead in the 48th minute after a period of sustained Blues attack, with Mitchell adding the extras for a 12-8 lead.

But Queensland hooker Hunt burrowed his way over the line in the 57th minute to level the scores, once again after back-to-back sets.

THAT'S an Origin moment. 👊

Watch: Channel 9
Stream: https://t.co/iKXmfFmAC5#9WWOS #NRL #Origin pic.twitter.com/ZmSowpfk9m

— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) July 14, 2021

Maroons skipper Daly Cherry Evans, who assumed kicking duties after Holmes (shoulder) was replaced at half-time, kicked truly to again gain the advantage.

Hunt’s second try, on the first play after an explosive break by fullback Kalyn Ponga, took the Maroons to a 20-12 lead.

But just as it seemed the Maroons could cruise to a morale-boosting win, a clever Mitchell Moses grubber kick collected by Api Koroisau ensured the contest again returned to a two-point game with little more than 10 minutes to go.

GET IN API! 🔥

Watch: Channel 9
Stream: https://t.co/iKXmfFmAC5#9WWOS #NRL #Origin pic.twitter.com/subiqPA4aD

— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) July 14, 2021

The Maroons dug deep as they defended desperately against countless NSW attacks, with the crowd issuing the trademark ‘Queenslander’ cry.

The underdogs felt they may have done enough, but a 79th-minute penalty ensured the drama wasn’t over.

The attempt by Mitchell, from just over the halfway line, fell agonisingly short, much to the delight of the Queenslanders.

Despite the defeat, NSW claimed the Origin shield for a 16th occasion, taking out the series 2-1.

2021 State of Origin champions! 💙

Watch: Channel 9
Stream: https://t.co/iKXmfFmAC5#9WWOS #NRL #Origin pic.twitter.com/8H5v1UrNxi

— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) July 14, 2021

Queensland has been victorious 22 times, with two series drawn.

Tom Trbojevic was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series.

The series was the first played entirely in Queensland, and was the first in which Sydney did not host a game.