Maroons Force 2017 State of Origins Decider with Comeback Win over Blues

Dane Gagai led Queensland Maroons to a comeback win in Game 2 of the 2017 State of Origin against New South Wales Blues, scoring two tries to help the Maroons to an 18-16 victory and force a decider. 

Queensland took the lead through Valentine Holmes early, but the Blues dominated the rest of the first half. Jarryd Payne, Brett Morris and Mitchell Pearce all scored, giving their team a 16-6 advantage at the half.

Gagai brought his team back to within four points after the break, and he added a second try in the final minutes to set up a decisive Game 3. 

The NRL's official Twitter account shared the squads that would start Game 2:

They also added this statistic, giving the visiting fans some hope:

NSW were clearly eager to put on another show in Game 2, as evidenced by a bone-crunching tackle from Aaron Woods just minutes into the contest. The first try was scored by the visitors, however, with Holmes diving over in the corner and replays providing insufficient evidence to overturn.

Here's a look at the controversial score, via NRL Bunker:

Johnathan Thurston converted from a tough angle to make the score 6-0.

Queensland's advantage didn't last long, however. The Blues put together a fine attacking move, ending with Hayne using his strength to score on the left wing. The try tied Michael O'Connor's all-time mark for scores in State of Origin history by a Blues player, at 11. James Maloney mirrored Thurston's kick, tying things up.

A surging run from Maloney set up the hosts' second try, as he beat several defenders before tossing a simple pass to Morris after 24 minutes. Here's a look at the spectacular score:

And momentum remained with the Blues, who scored a similar try just minutes later, with Pearce the recipient of another easy pass. A successful conversion gave NSW a double-digit lead.

Hayne could have added to the tally but refused to pass and was pushed into touch, with Gagai returning in time. Josh Dugan and Jake Trbojevic made crucial stops to preserve the lead at half-time.

During the half, former football player Ned Zelic couldn't help himself:

The Blues did a fine job controlling the pace early in the second half, but a try from Gagai and conversion from Thurston cut the deficit to just four points, with plenty of time left on the clock.

NSW didn't allow the setback to mess with their momentum, however, and kept building fine attacking moves as the half wore on. 

But Queensland started to press entering the final stages, and it took a monstrous run from Dugan to relieve the pressure. Here's a look at the impressive dash:

The match came down to the final minutes, with Gagai scoring after an offload on the right wing. Queensland needed the conversion from Thurston to take the lead, and he delivered from a very tricky angle, winning his side the match.

The 2017 State of Origin will be decided at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Wednesday, July 12. Queensland have won 10 of the last 11 series.