Anyone who thought a home ground advantage didn't count for much these days should try telling that to the Queensland Origin side.

After a less-than-impressive Game One, Queensland knew they had to step up in front of 52,000 screaming supporters. Or, as Willie Mason called them, "nutbag rednecks".

And step up they did. Wouldn't you, after being called a nutbag?

Queensland came out with such intensity that they never looked like losing. Their defence was unrelenting, and they kept NSW down in their own half. It was a complete turn around from what we saw in Game One. This time, it was NSW who were unable to fire a shot.

It took only 7 minutes before Greg Inglis broke the line to set up Darius Boyd for the first points of the night, and the trend of rookies scoring on debut continues. Jonathan Thurston converted to give the Maroons an early six-nil lead.

The Queensland attack was unstoppable all night, with veterans Steve Price and Petro Civoniceva leading the way up front. Price played a staggering 50 minutes before having a rest - not bad for an old timer.

They laid the platform for Thurston and Scott Prince to attack from...

Boyd scored his second try in the 21st minute after Inglis made another bust out wide. It was only three weeks ago when Mark Gasnier was doing the same thing to Queensland - it's funny how players lift in front of their own fans.

After a string of penalties, the score at half time was 16-0. NSW looked completely shell shocked as the headed into the break, and the second half wasn't going to get any easier for them...

In the 64th minute Ben Hannant wrestled his way across the line for his first try in Origin, Thurston converted, and the score was 24-0. The Queensland crowd were becoming more and more deafening as their side ran away with the game.

A final try to Israel Falou in the 68th minute proved to be the final nail in the NSW coffin. The final score - 30-0 to the rampant Queenslanders.

They had completely dominated the NSW pack in every facet of the game. Inglis was an absolute standout, and received the man of the match award - deservedly so. His battle against Mark Gasnier is worth the price of admission alone...

Brent Tate played a fantastic game and was a tackling machine, making 33 tackles (an incredible amount for a center) and again showing that his rep career is nowhere near over...

NSW looked completely out of sorts against the attack of Queensland. Debutant winger Steve Turner had a shocker of a night - he looked out of his depth on the big stage, and we can't help but feel his selection had a lot to do with Craig Bellamy being his club coach. He would be extremely lucky to retain his position for the deciding game, especially if Jarryd Hayne is available for Game Three. If not, Joel Managhan should be given the wing spot - he has a lot more experience than Turner, and is better on defence.

Peter Wallace and Greg Bird were unable to back up their performance from Game One. They were by no means terrible, but compared to Thurston and Prince they were made to look ordinary. Former coach Phil Gould suggested that a proper five-eight be brought in - someone like Braith Anasta perhaps?

Bird is a much better forward than he is a five-eight - and at this level, under this kind of intensity, you need your best players in the right positions.

The win will give Queensland a lot of confidence going into Game Three - which is back in Sydney, where their record isn't so flash. But if they play like that again...then again, the mystery of the home ground advantage may just swing back to NSW.

So - thoughts on the winner of Origin '08, sports fans??