State of Origin got underway in front of a crowd of 50,967 at the Etihad Stadium this morning and true to all the pre-match predictions Queensland ran out 28-18 winners over New South Wales.

Three tries in 10 minutes from Billy Slater, Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston did the damage for the Maroons as they opened up an early 18-2 lead over the Blues.

Craig Bellamy’s side trailed 18-6 at the interval thanks to Ben Creagh, but another Inglis try just after the re-start put paid to the Blues hopes of a fight back.

Craig Wing and Jarryd Hayne’s tries made things interesting, but in truth the result was never in doubt. Darius Boyd wrapped up proceedings for Queensland to give the Maroons a 28-18 win over the Blues.

RUCKUS WATCH: No real major incidents to report I’m afraid. Game 2 should be a lot more feisty though, especially if the Blues are on the back foot against the Maroons. Chance of a ruckus? Evens drifting to 5/6.

You can catch the highlights of the first State of Origin clash below.