Queensland proved once again why they have dominated State of Origin for the past decade, showing a killer instinct to defeat a New South Wales Blues outfit that was the better team for the first half but failed to make the most of their opportunities.
The Maroons have now won 10 of the past 11 Origin series since the "hand grenade" celebration that so offended Queenslanders in 2000, and the victory is the first under rookie coach Kevin Walters. They will now chase their fifth series sweep
"There was a little bit of pressure on the team this year given the one game at home and we fought so hard in game one to get that result," Queensland captain Cameron Smith said. "No one can ever question our effort over this period of 11 years.
"They're a great side, the Blues, and we're just very fortunate to get that win.
"It's really pleasing to be able to wrap it up in two games, especially here at home."
Maroons winger Dane Gagai was hero in chief for the Maroons, bagging the first Queensland Origin hat-trick since Matt Sing in 2003 -- the first a length-of-the-field break after collecting a loose ball from Michael Jennings that Josh Mansour couldn't handle.
Gagai ran 80 metres and crossed for the opening try, after the teams had each kicked two penalty goals, despite the desperate attentions of Tyson Frizell and Blake Ferguson.
Gagai crossed again in the second half, collecting a high pass and crossing out wide, and he completed his hat-trick 16 minutes later after Frizell had scored on Origin debut to given the Blues renewed hope.
The Blues would not go away, however, James Maloney cantering clear four minutes later after collecting a loose ball from Gagai. And they thought they had scored again to take the lead when Frizell touched down only for the try to be rubbed out because Jennings and grazed the ball to knock it forward in trying to touch down.
New South Wales continued to press, but Queensland were next to score when Corey Oates crossed in the corner after brilliant backline play five minutes later. It was to be a try that gave the Maroons just enough space to repel the visitors in the final five minutes.
Still the Blues pressed the Queensland line, with Jack Bird stopped just short before Maloney was denied a second try because Jennings had knocked-on going for a high ball under the posts.
Victory was a fitting tribute to veteran Queensland lock Corey Parker in his final home Origin after announcing this season would be his last.
"We wanted to make it a memorable night for him tonight and I've seen his big smile on his face when full-time siren went," Smith said of Parker.
But the future of NSW coach Laurie Daley may yet be called into question after another series loss.
"We missed a couple of opportunities tonight and they took there's - that was the difference," Blues captain Gallen, in his final Origin series, said.
"We were coming home with a wet sail but we couldn't get those tries in the end."
Australian Associated Press contributed to the report