Hungry Blues dine out on Maroons AFTER you've been eating at the king's table for seven years it's no easy job to repel a pack of wolves on starvation rations for the same period That in essence, was the simply story of last night's tide-turner in Sydney. It was the night Queensland fans were dreading but knew had to arrive some time. The one when year after year of ruthless torment pushed the Blues motivation into a stratosphere which Queensland could not quite reach. And still Queensland were not far short. When NSW put up the money to buy the first State of Origin match of the year - which had been promised to Queensland - they bought well. The whole package of a crazy crowd, a unified team and a coach who replicated the Queensland way of winding his side down rather than up was simply too much to repel. But last night was simply the first spicy skirmish. The battle is far from over. Michael Jennings celebrates his try with Blues teammates during Origin I at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. Downcast Queensland fans should remember in all bar one of their seven series wins against the Blues they have lost one match and won the other two. The 17 players in last night's squad contained a group of decorated generals who have carried the Maroons to unprecedented success. It will be noted again that this is the oldest Queensland Origin side and they played like an old team for the first 55 minutes last night. But that should not matter. They deserve the right to finish the job. That said, there was a curious, disjointed flatness for the first three quarters of the match last night. Many of their biggest stars had modest games to the point where the under-rated benchman Corey Parker, and that unload that defences find so difficult to counter, was close to Queensland's best. The farcical moment of the night was Paul Gallen not being sent to the sin bin for his stiff arm and then double punch to the face of Nate Myles. Jarryd Hayne reaches out to score the opening try for NSW in Origin I at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. If referees are going to have different rules for Origin games can they are least let us know instead of making a mockery of the existing laws. But there should be no excuses. When the Queensland machine is rolling it roars like a Ferrari on an open road. For much of the first half they spluttered along like an old Combi van with clutch problems. There was no rhythm or momentum. NSW looked strong, fast and willing. They were not flawless and made enough errors to throw a disorientated Queensland a bone. NSW coach Laurie Daley has out-Queenslanded Queensland. Ricky Stuart's theatrical mindgames may have created great stories but there was a feeling his intensity might have overcooked his team. Daley promised to do it his way - the cool way - and the first strike has been an impressive one. News that the Blues players were having team dinners of their own organising well before the team camp was a bad sign for Queensland. Daley never cramped or overloaded his players. Simplicity and sincerity were his mantras and they worked well. Last night's victory gives NSW the chance to settle down as a unit. Sam Thaiday and Cameron Smith leave the field after Queensland's loss in Origin I. Picture: Adam Head Mitchell Pearce can stop worrying about the critics hounding him for months and James Maloney will continue as five-eighth. Queensland no longer have the advantage of creating havoc in the Blues selection room and turning the Blues upon themselves. There is no doubt one of the greatest Queensland teams of any sport are nearing their use-by date but they may just have one last big kick. Queensland are now underdogs to win the series ... if they can play like hungry wolves