Queensland stay alive after holding off stirring NSW comeback in State of Origin classic

• Maroons win 26-24 after Blues rallied from 26-6 down at half-time

• Result at Optus Stadium in Perth sends series to decider in Sydney

They had been all but written off, rudderless and adrift with a rattled coach at the helm, but a spirited Queensland kept the State of Origin shield alive after a wet, wild and often bizarre Game 2 victory over New South Wales in Perth.

The memorable 26-24 triumph wasn't certain until the final moments after a titanic Blues comeback – highlighted by a Brian To'o hat-trick – brought them back to within two points with eight minutes to go.