The Golden Age of Queensland began its decline with the retirement of Billy Slater. The state’s resurgence has begun with his appointment as coach.

In a victory that will live long in the collective memory of those north of the Tweed, the underdog Maroons defeated the Blues 16-10 in front of a sold out Homebush heaving at the seams to not only boot Slater’s career off with a win but add to the Queensland Origin legend.

Origin reflections are always soaked in hyperbole but this win against the odds from a courageous Queensland team will live in Origin folklore. Despite a baying crowd bathed in blue and a star-studded New South Wales team and a string of injuries throughout the match, Queensland found and found and kept finding in what was truly a win for the ages.

In a game that a number of players claimed after the match was the hardest they had ever played in, the Maroons showed all the traits that the Queensland legend have been built on – courage, brilliance, determination, an ability to defy the odds – to take a famous win.

The Maroons trailed early after a bullocking Jack Wighton try put the Blues in front. New South Wales dominated early but a moment of brilliance from debutant Selwyn Cobbo, who scooped up a bouncing ball and with no room between the sideline and the closing cover defence dropped the ball on his right foot, centre partner Dane Gagai running through to score.

That try, along with the entry of Harry Grant, turned the tide in Queensland’s favour. Man-of-the-match Cameron Munster took the sniff and the space and owned the second half, looking like a modern-day Wally Lewis in the process, a five-eighth with all the skills who is more known for his brutal strength and his ability to scythe through a gap.

The Blues had a shot late following a soft Cameron Murray try. Isaah Yeo was but a stretch away from levelling the scores on the final play.

It was also a seminal victory for Queensland, who have seemed off-kilter once the last stars of the golden age faded and retired from the game. There was a memorable victory in 2020 but there has been little doubt that during the Brad Fittler era of the Blues, New South Wales have held the upper hand in both talent and psychology.

This win not only put Queensland in the box seat for the series but was a clear demarcation between the lost Queensland and the found Queensland. For the first time in 27 years, the Maroons put their faith in a coach with no coaching experience. All he had was the Queensland way. It was a leap of faith, and it proved inspired.

The signs were positive from the Queensland side heading into this opener. Slater showed great faith in a number of debutants while maintaining the faith in the core. The vision was clear. Those debutants did not let Slater or their state down but also declared themselves long-term Maroons with the likes of Cobbo, Reben Cotter and Patrick Carrigan carrying on the legend of the Maroons overachiever. Munster, skipper Daly Cherry-Evans and outside backs Valentine Holmes and Gagai did what needed to be done.

For Fittler, the dice he rolled came up snake eyes. He pulled the right rein with Jack Wighton. The other major calls failed badly. Daniel Tupou was out of his depth. Stephen Crichton was the wrong choice to come off the bench. The pack was completely dominated. Changes will need to be made for Perth or the series will be gone.

Those questions are for another time though. Wednesday was about Queensland. This was their night. And a night that will stand as one of the most important in Maroons history.