Frizell scored a try and almost got another, with the Blues' only other try was a length of the field effort by five-eighth James Maloney after intercepting a pass from Queensland's three try hero Dane Gagai. Given the impact the two players called into the NSW team as late replacements after the suspension of Wade Graham and injury to Josh Morris, NSW supporters can only wonder what may have happened if Daley had heeded calls to also select Tedesco, Leilua and Cartwright.

Difference maker: James Tedesco in action for the Tigers Credit:Getty Images

Before being injured earlier in the season, Tedesco was favourite for the No.1 jersey but after selecting Matt Moylan in his place for Origin I, Daley stuck with the Penrith fullback when many thought his Wests Tigers counterpart may have offered more punch in attack. Tedesco's supporters would have believed their arguement had grown stronger when Moylan was driven five metres into his own in-goal to force a second half goal line drop out.

Leilua has been the form centre in the NRL for Canberra but there are concerns about his discipline and the Blues brains trust opted for the more conservative approach of calling Dylan Walker off the interchange bench and bringing in Bird. Cartwright was chosen as a development player but many felt the Blues needed the ball skills of the Penrith back-rower and he is certain to come into the selection mix for Origin III at ANZ Stadium on July 13.

Graham and Josh Dugan are also set to come into the reckoning for the dead rubber, which is likely to see a continuation of the changing of the guard for NSW. The match-up between Greg Inglis and Walker was intriguing, with Queensland trying to shift the ball to their left at every possible opportunity and the rookie Blues centre doing everything he could to stop his former South Sydney captain causing havoc for the NSW defence.