The Queensland league coach Mal Meninga will be celebrating his 50th birthday today with the ultimate prize, a State of Origin clean sweep over New South Wales for the first time since 1995.
The Maroons capped their unprecedented era of Origin dominance with a never say die 23-18 victory in game three last night in Sydney.
The Blues led 18-13 into the last 10 minutes, but a penalty against them from a moment of niggle led to a converted try by Billy Slater, and they scored again in the final minute.
Two super-human efforts by Slater, including a miraculous try-saving tackle of a charging Anthony Whatmough who was held up over the line, earned the Queensland fullback the Player of the Series Award.
