Queensland wins 3rd State of Origin match 18-12

Published Jul. 11, 2018 8:23 a.m. ET

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) Queensland overcame a 12-8 halftime deficit to beat New South Wales 18-12 for a consolation win in the third State of Origin rugby league match on Wednesday.

New South Wales, beaten by Queensland in 11 of the last 12 Origin series, clinched this year's series with an 18-14 win in Sydney after a 22-12 victory in the first match in Melbourne.

The Maroons staged a second-half comeback with tries to Valentine Holmes, who had two on the night, and Daly Cherry-Evans.

With a minute left in regulation, Queensland survived a taxing set of six tackles as New South Wales launched a final offensive on the Maroons' line.

It gave Queensland captain Billy Slater a win in his final Origin match.