New South Wales put in a monumental team effort to keep their State of Origin hopes alive at the MCG.
But eagle-eyed fans spotted a moment during the national anthem that was cause for concern ahead of the huge second game.
As the camera ran down the line-ups of Queensland and Blues stars, the Maroons joined arm-in-arm as the anthem was sung by Sheridan Adams.
However, two Blues stars – Jarome Luai and Liam Martin – kept their hands by their side, rather than take up the customary position to show unity.
As it was, Martin assuaged those concerns by getting the Blues off to a flying start after scoring following a sustained spell of pressure from New South Wales in the early knockings of the game.
The Panthers star showed no sign of lacking passion for his state team as he enthusiastically booted the ball into the MCG crowd after giving his side the edge.
It was a one-sided onslaught from there, with the Blues securing a 34-0 half time lead.
That figure represented the biggest points margin between the two teams at half time in Origin history.
The Maroons rallied in the second half to claw back 18 points, but it was a comfortable victory for NSW, with their 38-18 win heaping pressure on their rivals ahead of the decider in Brisbane.
Two NSW Blues players elected not to join arm in arm for the national anthem
It was a concerning sign for fans as the Blues looked to overturn their series deficit
