A 79th-minute try to center Michael Jennings helped New South Wales avoid a State of Origin clean sweep and give the Blues an 18-14 rugby league win over Queensland on Wednesday at the Olympic Stadium.

Queensland looked headed for a 3-0 series victory when fullback Darius Boyd gave his team a 14-12 lead in the 75th minute. Johnathan Thurston's ensuing conversion attempt failed after hitting both goalposts and the crossbar.

But Jennings' converted try four minutes later gave New South Wales its winning edge.

Queensland, with new coach Kevin Walters, clinched the series three weeks ago with a 26-16 victory in the second match in Brisbane after winning the first 6-4 in Sydney.

It was Queensland's 10th Origin series win in 11 years.