Hugh McGahan: Maroons too good, no questions asked

I cannot believe the conspiracy theorists out there who think that the NSW Blues lost on purpose to the Maroons to ensure the third State of Origin fixture will be the decider. Obviously those who think such a thing have either never played sport, let alone competitive sport, or they played in the second row alongside Fred Flintstone in his heyday.

I know from experience that it is virtually impossible to throw a game, especially one of such importance. It's ludicrous to contemplate such an action - especially to think all members of that team would have unanimously agreed to 'throw' the game as one person alone could not achieve it.

Though I must say, tongue in cheek, that the Maroons could do with swabbing for performance-enhancing drugs for such a turnaround in form from the first game. So could the Blues, as they were a mere shadow of the team from the same game.

Congratulations to the Maroons media and communications team that orchestrated the campaign to have the whole world against the Queenslanders.

To have former Origin greats, both players and coaches, criticise the selections and compare the current team to teams of their golden era was a masterstroke.

It worked a treat, as we saw from the opening whistle to the end, Queensland totally dominated their more fancied rivals from south of the border.

Never has there been a game when a team has dominated for the full 80 minutes and I do not know if we will see another.

Queensland constructed a media blitz which saw their coach, former great himself Mal Meninga, turn on the media in a petulant manner not normally seen from him. He would not have been in on the act, as that would have been too easy to pick up in his responses and, knowing Mal as I do, he would not have agreed to be part of such an exercise. Meninga's passion for his state is stronger than his tackles and he believes the desire of Queensland players to beat NSW will always win games.

As we saw on Wednesday, the complete demolition of the foe was one to savour for all sportspeople who have experienced adversity. If, in the future, you're told you don't have a chance to win and you may as well not turn up, take note of that Queensland performance.

It proves that a strong mental approach to competition, coupled with ability to participate, will bring a winning performance. Congratulations again Queensland, but beware - the New South Welshmen will not let that happen again. To see the likes of Willie Mason, Mark O'Meley and co picked up and driven backwards time and time again was key - it did not allow them to set a platform. From that, the NSW halves were not even allowed to control their bladder, let alone set up play.

It was a complete shutout, apart from the lone touchdown to the Blues late in the game but that was their only consolation.

In three weeks, I hope we see both teams prepare in a similar way, which would mean one of the great games of the 2006 season.