Cooper Cronk's 40-metre field-goal broke NSW hearts and sealed a 21-20 win for Queensland as the Maroons locked in a seventh successive State of Origin series win in a breathless encounter at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday.

State of Origin is headed for a decider in three weeks time. New South Wales have lived up to their favourites tag for game two in Sydney, with a 16-12 victory levelling the series at 1-1.

When tonight's first State of Origin clash kicks off, it will be the latest chapter in one of sport's greatest rivalries.