Laurie Daley is saluting his NSW heroes after Nathan Cleary, fearless debutant Ethan Strange and grand old master James Tedesco sparked the Blues to the biggest comeback win in State of Origin history.
A 78th-minute try to the returning Tedesco helped the Blues to a gripping 22-20 home victory Wednesday night after Queensland's superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off by referee Ashley Klein for a shoulder charge on Tolu Koula.
Ponga's moment of madness handed NSW an avenue back into the contest when the Maroons were leading 20-6 with 58 minutes gone and stunned fans unusually silent at Accor Stadium.
While Cleary and Tedesco claimed the headlines, Strange was the catalyst for the Blues comeback.
The Canberra young gun crossed for a try before official man-of-the-match Cleary kicked a pressure 40/20 and followed his halves partner over for a 71st-minute try against a depleted and exhausted Queensland side.
