A DESPERATE NSW could turn to the only man to deliver them a State of Origin series in the past 12 years by recalling inspirational Cronulla captain Paul Gallen for the Brisbane series’ decider next month.

The Blues clearly lost their way in the second half last night under inexperienced captain Boyd Cordner.

Their tactics were slammed by Blues great Andrew Johns and also former NSW coach Phil Gould, who questioned their game plan.

Queensland’s courageous 18-16 comeback win, in which they kept NSW point-less in the second half, has set the scene for one of the biggest, if not the biggest, Origin game ever played at Suncorp Stadium.

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Organisers of the much-anticipated Manny Pacquiao vs Jeff Horn fight are billing the July 2 bout as the biggest sporting event ever staged at the iconic Brisbane sporting ground.

But that title will only survive 10 days, until Queensland and NSW slug out the series’ decider on July 12, after the Maroons levelled the series ledger 1-1 with their courageous 18-16 victory in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Paul Gallen is still powering on for the Sharks. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

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Given the massive occasion, given what is on the line, playing in front of a fanatical Queensland crowd and the emotion that will surround Johnathan Thurston’s farewell Origin (if he plays), NSW could use some motivation of their own.

It would be an absolute travesty of justice if Thurston (who hurt his shoulder in Origin II) is denied his 38th and final Origin appearance in front of his adoring fans and a massive lift for NSW if he does not run out in the No.6 jumper.

Gallen, who led NSW to their only Origin victory in 2014, also captained Cronulla to their maiden NRL premiership last October.

He has been playing outstanding football this season for the Sharks.

Given all the twists and turns Origin has tossed up during its 37-year, history could we see Gallen enticed out of retirement for one last curtain call?

Paul Gallen: Comeback chance? Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

It’s happened before.

Phil Gould pulled a rabbit from his hat sending an SOS to retired great Brad Fittler, who answered his call in game II of the 2004.

NSW won that series 2-1.

Three years earlier, Queensland coach Wayne Bennett stunned the rugby league world by secretly rushing his favourite player Allan Langer back from the UK, where he was playing with the Warrington Wolves.

At 35, Langer again delivered on the big stage for Queensland, scoring a try and setting up several others on special night for their fans.

Queensland won that series 2-1.

The only drawback would be that NSW have moved away from the Gallen era, on a new path forward.

His recall could be seen by some as disrupting the team harmony which Daley has developed.

NSW dropped the ball in from of 83,000 of their fans on Wednesday night when they were so close to pulling off the series.

At 16-6 up at half-time, they were in control of the game.

But some dumb play, poor options and a Queensland side that never lies down put them under immense pressure and they cracked.

After weeks of constantly reading and hearing about the “D” words -- dominance and dynasty -- and the pain Queensland will feel for years to come following the Blues’ 28-4 first game win, this wonderful sporting contest that captures the imagination of rugby league followers around the world is alive and on the line.

It’s why Origin is the sporting phenomenon it is.

*Wayne Heming has covered rugby league for four decades and has reported on 100 Origin games since 1980.