Blues level Origin series as controversy rages over Inglis 'no try' call

The Blues have leveled the State of Origin series with a pulsating 26-18 win over the Maroons in front of a record crowd at the MCG. 

Josh Dugan's scything run clinched the win for NSW, just minutes after both sides were both denied tries with dubious refereeing decisions. 

With the Maroons leading 18-14, Pearce loped over next to the posts in the 65th minute but referee Ben Cummins ruled the final pass from Trent Hodkinson forward.

Just minutes later, Greg Inglis was denied by the video referee after racing 80m untouched, but Michael Morgan was somewhat staggeringly ruled to have knocked on in the lead-up.

The series now moves to Suncorp Stadium on July 8 for the decider. 

FULL COVERAGE: Our State of Origin hub

SCORES: All the stats from the 'G

JUMP IN: Multicam replays

Needing a win to keep the series alive, NSW got off to the best possible start with an early try to the electric Michael Jennings, who danced through Queensland's defence with his trademark fast feet.  

Matt Scott answered for the Maroons, the forward diving under the posts to draw his side level in front of a boisterous Victorian crowd.

The anticipated "biff" between the teams simmered throughout, and came to a head when Maroons' fullback Billy Slater and NSW enforcer James Tamou squared off. 

The sides then traded tries, Josh Morris grounding a centimetre-perfect Mitchell Pearce kick before Inglis finished off a dazzling move to become his state's leading all-time Origin try scorer.

After NSW led 14-10 at the break, Queensland went ahead for the first time in the match shortly after halftime when Matt Gillett worked his way through some soft Blues defence on the line.

Queensland were without star halfback Cooper Cronk, who sealed the series opener win with a late field goal but later injured his knee while representing the Storm.

All eyes were on controversial playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans, who is wearing the No.7 jersey in Cronk’s absence.

The Manly halfback had a subdued opening half and was met by boos from the crowd after his decision to renege on a deal to join the Gold Coast from next year.

Cherry-Evans failed to have an impact on the match and the Maroons will sweat on the fitness of Cronk for the Game Three. 

The vocal 93,513 was a record for a State of Origin fixture and a ringing endorsement of the NRL's decision to host a match in Victoria for the eighth time.