Two-try hero Dane Gagai spoke to QRL Media after the match and shared how thrilled he was to have played an Origin with Maroons legend Billy Slater for the first time.
He also praised the new-look forward pack. “They stayed strong and worked hard for each other.”
This was epitomised by giant Dylan Napa’s late-game efforts where he was running purely on heart.
“Seeing such a big frame in Dylan Napa and the work he gets through in defence and in the middle there and for him to come back and screaming at Smiddy (Cameron Smith), “Give me the ball!”, it’s just inspirational and it’s those things that make you want to lift for your teammates.”