Harry Grant summed up the series as "the one that got away".
The State of Origin shield will reside in New South Wales after Queensland's campaign ended in disappointment at a packed Suncorp Stadium.
Coming into the game as heavy favourites, the Maroons were off their game early, forced into errors and suffocated of the ball and field possession by a committed Blues outfit who claimed their 30-12 win.
Queensland battled until the final whistle, but couldn’t overcome a Blues side that executed its game plan with greater consistency across the 80 minutes.
The result left the Maroons devastated.
For Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, whose father Fereti passed away leading into Game II and with former Maroons teammate Jai Arrow - who is battling MND - at the game watching on in support, the pain of defeat was impossible to hide.
"It hurts a lot," Fa'asuamaleaui said.
"There's always motivation there when you lose, but right now it hurts."
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 3 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The Gold Coast Titans captain said the Maroons laid the platform early but failed to turn the energy and intent into points.
"I think defensively, we started the game really well," he said.
"We just needed to transfer that energy into our attack… we didn’t do that and there was a lot of errors and it stopped us from building pressure."
From the field: Harry Grant
Grant shared a similar assessment, pointing to a lack of consistency and execution as critical factors in the decider.
"It's pretty hard to swallow and very disappointing," Grant said.
"I don't think we were consistent enough throughout the course of the game.
"They played a complete game for 80 minutes."
The Maroons hooker credited New South Wales for winning key battles through the middle of the field but said Queensland would take ownership of its mistakes.
"They had some really heavy line speed and really won the ground in the contact… we've got to take responsibility for that and move forward,” Grant said.
Despite the result, the atmosphere at Suncorp Stadium left a lasting impression on Jojo Fifita, who experienced the intensity of Origin football for the first time this series.
A try scorer in both Game Two and Game Three, he was able to give a nod to Arrow with his try celebration in the decider.
Jai Arrow is in the house
"Definitely a big game… probably one of the biggest games I've played in my life," Fifita said.
“The boys gave it their all and dug in deep… it was a pretty back-and-forth game, but we obviously didn’t get the result at home at Suncorp, so that hurts.
"It wasn’t an effort thing.
"The atmosphere and the support from the Queensland crowd was really good.
"We really felt that when we ran out of the tunnel at the start of the game and tried to use that energy as much as we could for the drive and motivation throughout the game.
"There were a couple of high moments and a couple of lows, but you learn from it and move on.
"The more games I play, the more I want to play the next one.
"If there was a Game IV coming up, I'd be excited for it."
Queensland gracious in defeat
While the decider brought heartache, it also reinforced the strong bonds that underpin the Queensland system.
Grant spoke passionately about the culture within the Maroons camp and the people who continue to make the jersey special.
"It's the type of people that come into these four walls," Grant said.
"Everyone's team-first and Queensland-first.
"You want the ultimate reward with a series win, but that wasn't to be tonight, but you create lifelong memories and bonds that you'll share forever."
The players were equally emphatic in their support of coach Billy Slater.
Fa'asuamaleaui's admiration for his coach was deeply personal.
"Billy is the heart and soul of this team and this state," he said.
"I love that man. He's given me so much away from footy and on the field too."
Fa'asuamaleaui said there were no real words to describe Slater's support during one of the most difficult periods of his life, including attending his father's funeral.
"Him wearing my dad's badge on his bag tonight is something that means a lot,” Fa'asuamaleaui said.
“Him coming to my dad's funeral was bigger than he really knows.”
Grant was equally glowing in his praise.
"He's just a Queenslander," Grant said.
"Being a kid who wanted to play for Queensland, he was the player we all looked up to and now as a coach, he's so detailed.
"He puts a lot of time and effort into it and you want to repay that by performing well, but unfortunately we didn’t do that tonight.”
For Fa'asuamaleaui, the emotions of the night extended beyond football, noting he had gained so much perspective through the adversity he was facing.
"I love my dad and I miss him a lot," he said.
"But he’d be saying ‘life goes on, life is short… make sure you keep rolling and set an example for your kids and your family."
In the sheds post game, the overriding feeling was one of gratitude to the Queensland supporters who filled Suncorp Stadium and backed their side until the end.
Grant delivered a heartfelt message to the state's fans.
"We're sorry we let you down," he said.
"Fingers crossed everyone is still proud of their footy team and continue to show that Queensland spirit with who they are every day between now and the next Origin series."
As Fifita put it, when the opportunity comes again, Queensland will be ready to "run it back".
