It was Tyson Frizell's almost-Scott Sattler moment. And even though it ended in more tears for the Blues, as do most things in these days of heartbreak south of the border, the rookie forward can at least lay claim to one of the great modern State of Origin efforts.

Thrown into the starting line-up in place of Greg Bird, Frizell was desperate to make a lasting impact as NSW tried to keep the series burning long enough to force a decider back in Sydney.

That they couldn't won't lay at his feet, with the 24-year-old Dragon producing the goods for his state in a 26-16 loss, including a second-half try that had NSW back within six points with 20 minutes left on the clock.