QUEENSLAND coach Billy Slater marvelled at the “calmness and skill” of his scrum-half Sam Walker after he played a leading role in their series-levelling victory.

The Maroons triumphed 44-24 over New South Wales at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to set up an Origin decider at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, July 8.

Walker, who was born in Leeds while father Ben played for the Rhinos and has spent his whole career with Sydney Roosters, kicked a penalty and converted all seven tries in a dazzling Queensland display, while controlling the side well from scrum-half.

“Sam is so humble and so respectful but he oozes confidence in his own ability,” said Slater.

“The more time I spend with Sam, the more I understand the greatness of his game.

“He just handles pressure situations, like that (Selwyn Cobbo) try off the scrum – he is in a pressure situation there and he handles it with calmness and with skill.

“He works so hard on his game, and that’s why he has a medal (as official player of the match) around his neck.”

Blues coach Laurie Daley has told his players to refocus for the series decider.

“I think it’s a wonderful challenge, for each player and for us as a team,” said Daley.

“How good do you want to be? Do you want to be remembered? Win a series up there in a decider, and you’ll be remembered for all time. That’s the challenge that awaits.

“That’s the advantage of winning game one. You’ve still got to win two and we were off the mark tonight, but it’s a challenge and the boys should be excited about it because it’s a great opportunity.”