Blues recall rare Brisbane decider win ahead of Suncorp clash

For a select few New South Wales players, the memory of winning a State of Origin series decider in Brisbane is a rare and cherished experience. Only three NSW teams in Origin history have managed to conquer Queensland at Suncorp Stadium in a deciding match.

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I was definitely there celebrating with the boys, I think we all were, that was an awesome feeling.

Two years ago, under Michael Maguire, the Blues achieved this feat. For the nine players from that squad still in Laurie Daley’s current lineup, the post-match celebrations remain a vivid highlight. "I was definitely there celebrating with the boys, I think we all were, that was an awesome feeling," recalled Liam Martin. "We’ll do anything to sort of get that feeling again, and fingers crossed that’ll be us on Wednesday night."

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We’ll do anything to sort of get that feeling again, and fingers crossed that’ll be us on Wednesday night.

Some players embraced the victory fully. Jarome Luai was seen posing for photos outside the Caxton Hotel, a Queensland landmark, while Brian To’o, who was axed for the current game, was spotted on a plane in his full playing kit. Luai and his halves partner that night, Mitchell Moses, were reportedly seen drinking in their match-worn jerseys in a Brisbane nightclub until the early hours. "It was an unreal feeling as it is anytime that you win a series it’s a great feeling," Moses told AAP. "Two years ago we obviously clinched it up there and I’d love to have that again, and that’s the goal of this camp."

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It was an unreal feeling as it is anytime that you win a series it’s a great feeling.

However, not everyone indulged. Cameron Murray opted for an early night, resting for his club duties. To his surprise, he discovered the next morning he had received a two-game suspension for a second-half scuffle. "I thought I was backing up, and then when I woke up, I found out I was suspended for two games," Murray said. "I probably would have (gone out) if I knew I wasn’t going to be playing but I had to keep it low key last time." Murray hopes for another chance to celebrate a series win, aiming for his third career decider victory, a feat matched only by Brad Fittler for NSW.

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Two years ago we obviously clinched it up there and I’d love to have that again, and that’s the goal of this camp.