NSW's Ethan Strange led a remarkable comeback, winning 22-20 against Queensland in Game 1 after Kalyn Ponga's red card. James Tedesco scored the decisive try.
NSW debutant Ethan Strange has inspired the biggest comeback in State of Origin history, giving the Blues a 22-20 win after Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off in the series opener.
Maroons star Ponga was given his marching orders by referee Ashley Klein for a 58th-minute shoulder charge on Blues winger Tolu Koula.
Ponga's moment of madness handed NSW an avenue back into Wednesday's game at Accor Stadium in Sydney where the Maroons led 20-6 and looked to be cruising towards victory.
But a 78th-minute try to James Tedesco handed the Blues a 1-0 lead in the series after NSW fought back with Strange and halves partner - man-of-the-match Nathan Cleary - punishing an exhausted 12-man Maroons side.