It was Tyson Frizell's almost-Scott Sattler moment. And even though it ended in more tears for the Blues, as do most things in these days of heartbreak south of the border, the rookie forward can at least lay claim to one of the great modern State of Origin efforts.

Thrown into the starting line-up in place of Greg Bird, Frizell was desperate to make a lasting impact as NSW tried to keep the series burning long enough to force a decider back in Sydney.

That they couldn't won't lay at his feet, with the 24-year-old Dragon producing the goods for his state in a 26-16 loss, including a second-half try that had NSW back within six points with 20 minutes left on the clock.

But by that point, he was already one of the talking points of the series after a relentless pursuit of Queensland winger Dane Gagai down the sideline deep into the first half that almost ended carrying him into rugby league folklore.

With a NSW fumble handing Gagai the ball in clear air and 80metres of turf between him and the tryline, the winger pinned the ears back, strode out of the diving attempt of Adam Reynolds and looked like he was off and gone for the money.

Only Frizell was within striking range and he wasn't giving up without a fight, stripping centimetres off Gagai with every stride until one desperate lunge that toppled Gagai near the line.

More defence arrived but it was too late, with Gagai able to wriggle his way over – just – to open Queensland's account. It would be his night in Brisbane, scoring a hat-trick despite almost missing out on selection in game one to Kyle Feldt.

Gagai had his injured quad strapped and perhaps that slowed him down to an extent.

Benji Marshall reckons Frizell is the fastest forward he's ever played alongside and few would doubt that statement after seeing him hit the jets at Suncorp Stadium.

It was reminiscent of Sattler's famous chase in the 2003 grand final for Penrith when he collared Todd Byrne. Frizell may have had a similar outcome if there wasn't the suggestion of being held back early in the pursuit by Maroons halfback Cooper Cronk.

That went unnoticed by referees and there seemed little reaction on the field at the time, although stills from the replay would show contact between the pair as Frizell was setting his sights on Gagai.

For all of its fruitlessness, it was exactly the kind of effort Blues fans have been crying out for, with Frizell not giving up until the green light was flashed up on the screen and the crowd leapt from their seats.

Alas, it was entirely reflective of another painful NSW defeat and a series once again consigned to the history books. The signs of fight were there but the only winner would be another smiling Queenslander.