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BRISBANE - Prop Willie Mason took aim at the NSW critics tonight, claiming the Blues could have easily been lifting the State of Origin trophy in a 3-0 whitewash.
Queensland won the series 2-1 but the Blues can take some consolation from defeating a courageous Maroons outfit 18-4 in front of a full house at Suncorp Stadium tonight.
"It's weird. It's a mixed feeling," Mason said about winning an exciting "dead rubber" but losing the series.
"I know we didn't deserve a 3-0 whitewash. The side is very tight and we bonded well together.
"I just knew from the start of the week that we weren't going to get beat tonight.
"It could have easily been us sitting here three-nil.
"That's how close the games are. It's not as though Queensland beat us by 50 (points) in both games."
Mason claimed the Blues should have won the first two games -- in Brisbane and Sydney -- but let their opportunities slip.
He praised the bravery of the Maroons after they lost key backs Brent Tate and Greg Inglis to knee injuries in the first half while Dallas Johnson was knocked senseless in the first tackle of the game before courageously returning after the break.
"Queensland, to their credit, they stick in and they nearly won tonight again," the Bulldogs forward said.
"We wanted to take a leaf out of their book and I think we did tonight."
Mason was worried Queensland would launch one of their trademark comebacks when Maroons centre Steve Bell held up Matt Cooper over the line in the 50th minute with the home side trailing 6-4.
"I couldn't believe it," Mason said.
"Me and Bedsy (Danny Buderus) and Hindy (Nathan Hindmarsh) were sitting on the sideline and we said 'no way, is this happening again?'
"It would've been a massive, massive effort for them to win tonight considering their injuries and their lack of forwards.
"It was a proud moment to win a game up here. It's like winning a semi-final in the NRL."
NSW coach Graham Murray also felt the script may have been going Queensland's way: "It sounded like it. It even smelt like it.
"To the credit of the fellows, the spirit of the Blues jersey was hanging in there too."
Murray dodged questions about his future in the job but it's almost certain he won't be around next year to guide the next generation of Origin players such as Greg Bird, Paul Gallen and Jarryd Hayne, who were outstanding.
"Before tonight's game there were seven guys out there who had only played seven Origins between them so it's a great look to the future for NSW," Murray said.
Blues skipper Danny Buderus added: "It was a massive game for us.
"We've been bashed from pillar to post. Both teams have got passion and intensity.
"It's just about taking your opportunities when they arrive and you win games."
- AAP
