It was supposed to be the end of an era.

But Queensland’s dominance does not look like ending soon after their 22-6 win over NSW at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night clinched their 11th series triumph in 12 years.

Winger Valentine Holmes nabbed a hat-trick in just his second Origin while man-of-the-match Cameron Smith again turned back the clock to extend the team’s dynasty in front of a record 52,540-strong crowd.

The decider was billed as a changing of the guard for the Maroons with champion five-eighth Johnathan Thurston receiving a pre-match tribute.

His 37-game career was ended by a shoulder injury in Queensland’s dramatic game two win.

And it may have also been the final game for fellow Maroons greats Billy Slater and halfback Cooper Cronk who are yet to decide whether to play on in 2018.

However, Queensland officially began life after Thurston, breaking NSW hearts and clinching their 13th Origin decider – and seventh straight.

In a touch of class, Smith invited Thurston to lift the Origin shield with him on the podum.

“I reckon you are the greatest player to ever pull on a jersey,” Smith said to Thurston.”

Smith rallied team in the face of an unprecedented injury toll.

“To pull everyone together tonight and through the series, a lot of debutants, and get over the line against a quality footy side – that’s one I think we’ll all remember for a long time.”

Maroons were at their most vulnerable this year, missing Thurston for two games and going through 26 players for the series due to injuries – the most used by Queensland.

They used eight debutants in the series.

But Queensland still maintained their dominance to ensure Kevin Walters is just the third Maroons coach to win his first two series.

It marks the first time since 1987 the Maroons have clinched a series with two games in Queensland after losing the opener.

Debutant Cameron Munster was outstanding, stepping into the big shoes left behind by Thurston at No.6.

And in just his second Origin, Holmes became the fifth Queensland player to nab a record equalling hat-trick.

Slater showed no sign of an ankle complaint that hampered his lead-up to be a constant threat, Smith tore NSW apart with his first half dummy half runs while Cronk’s highlight was a pin-point crossfield kick that delivered Holmes’ second.

Queensland winger Dane Gagai received the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series.

Slater said he wasn’t sure what the future held for him.

“It’s pretty hard to walk away from it. This is what you play the game for, the enjoyment that the game brings you,” he said.

NSW pivot James Maloney couldn’t hide his disappointment.

“As a team to put a performance like that on an occasion like this, it’s horrible,” he said.

“NSW deserves better. Origin deserves better, the coaching staff deserve better.”

Queensland led 12-0 at halftime after a Holmes try-scoring double.