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Newstalk ZB - July 16, 2009, 5:27 am

New South Wales has avoided a clean sweep beating Queensland 28-16 in the third State of Origin match in Brisbane.

The Blues outscored the home side four tries to three, with Ben Creagh dotting down twice while David Williams and Josh Morris scored one each. Michael Ennis and Kurt Gidley both kicked a penalty and two conversions..

For the Maroons, Dallas Johnson, Justin Hodges and Billy Slater scored tries, while Johnathan Thurston kicked two conversions.

However, the game is likely to be remembered for several fiery incidents, in what became a spiteful clash between the two teams. Backrower Trent Waterhouse earned the dubious honour of being the first Blues player ever to be sent from the field, after blind-siding Warriors prop Steve Price as the Queenslander traded punches with Brett White late in the game.

New South Wales coach Craig Bellamy admits there was a lot of niggle. He says there was plenty of passion although it was not the ideal way people want to see passion displayed.

Queensland win the series 2-1, their fourth Origin series win in a row.