Blues star James Maloney's Origin II masterclass leaves Maroons icons stunned

Queensland greats Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston have been left in awe after James Maloney's mesmerising performance in the Blues' 38-6 Game Two win.

After being a notable omission in Brad Fittler's squad for Game One, Maloney was at his brilliant best, pulling the strings behind the Blues' offence as the Maroons were run ragged.

Speaking on Nine's post-match coverage, Thurston said he feared that Maloney's inclusion would have a galvanising effect in the Blues' changeroom.

"It's probably the best game I've seen a New South Wales player play in a very long time," he said.

"He's just a winner, Jimmy. He's been at a number of clubs and played in premiership winning sides.

"This was my biggest fear coming into the match, James Maloney and (Nathan) Cleary in the halves because I know what you're going to get with James Maloney, especially with his kicking game.

"You can't beat experience and that's what it was exactly in this game. He had the ball on a string, directed them around the park and once they had their foots on our throats they didn't let go."

Smith praised Maloney for concentrating on doing the little things right and not hunting highlights.

"Jimmy's not a guy that looks for the highlights and the big flash plays," he said.

"He just knows how to control a game with his subtle passing, his little dinks in behind the line, he got a couple of repeat sets, set up a couple of tries. He doesn't try to overplay his hand and all.

"He's just continually chipping away. He's just happy to be at you all night and I thought he just did a wonderful job of controlling the way they played.

"He was outstanding tonight. For me, I thought he was best on ground. That's all you need, a little bit of experience.

"Him being back in the Blues side along with Wade Graham, Tom Trbojevic, these guys have been in the big games, they know to play, they know how to handle these situations."