While his players celebrated yet another Game One win, rookie Maroons mentor Kevin Walters was in the coach's box sweating up a storm as Queensland held on for a 6-4 win at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night.
Having played 20 Origins for the Maroons, Walters knows a thing or two about what it means to represent the sunshine state, as well as the impact the team's success has on the greater community.
In his role as coach, Walters has heard it all from criticism about his ageing squad to the difficulties associated with playing in Sydney, but watched on with pride as his champion team etched another win on their rapidly-growing tally.
"I'm just so happy for this group of players," a very proud Maroons coach said after the game.
"I mean they keep getting thrown challenges every year with Origin and somehow they just keep coming up and manufacturing wins.
"As a Queensland person – as a Queensland fan – it's hard to explain. It's a privilege to work with these sorts of guys. They’ve been brilliant and they just keep answering questions that are thrown at them."