From the opening whistle history looked set to repeat itself, Damien Cook spilling the kickoff before the Maroons dominated the first 10 minutes.

While the Blues fought back to lead 10-0 at the break, Queensland produced a stunning second-half performance to claim a 18-14 victory at Adelaide Oval.

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The resemblance to 1995 only growing as the Maroons upset their more-fancied rivals with a composed display.

With 11 debutants in the side, many had doubted Queensland's ability to hang with a quality Blues squad, but not coach Wayne Bennett.

"I wasn't queried about that," Bennett said. "I just thought they'd put a maroon jersey on, they know the expectation that comes with it.

"They trained excellent for 10 days, it was clear self belief wasn't going to beat them here tonight.

"It's not luck that it happens the way it happens. It's the way they came to camp, the way they approached camp, they way they trained, the way they've got on with each other.

"They've been under a lot of restrictions, but they overcome everything to come here tonight to play as a team, and play as a Queensland team."

The two sides entered the match with contrasting game plans, Queensland shifting the ball early and often to attack the NSW edge defence.

The Blues targeted the centre of the field, the likes of Cook, James Tedesco and Jake Trbojevic causing the Maroons problems throughout the opening 40.

The second half, however, saw that space close up, Queensland containing the NSW attacking threats by slowing down the play the ball and pinning their opponents inside their own half.

With the game now played on their terms, man of the match Daly Cherry-Evans, Cameron Munster and Ben Hunt orchestrated a comeback as the Blues started to wilt under the pressure.

Munster's try in the 65^th minute ultimately proved the difference, the five-eighth pouncing on a Blues error to hand his side an eight-point advantage.

NSW fought back throughout the final 10 minutes, the space opening back up as the Maroons started to tire.

Josh Addo-Carr crossed for his second with five minutes to play, before the Blues had one final set of six on the Queensland line.

Wayne Bennett's side held firm, however, to claim a thrilling four-point victory.

The Blues were left to lament Nathan Cleary's poor night with the boot, the two sides scoring three tries apiece.

Had he converted Addo-Carr's try, the halfback would have had an attempt at penalty goal to level the scores in the final minute. Instead the Blues were forced to take the tap in search of four points.

In an added blow for Brad Fittler's squad, Cameron Murray lasted just five minutes off the bench before exiting with a leg injury.

While NSW were determined to win the series opener, it's not an unfamiliar situation. The Blues trailed 1-0 last year before going on to claim a 2-1 victory.

With just seven days to turn it around, Fittler is looking forward to seeing the true character of his players.

"It's a great challenge," Fittler said. "I trust the group, we have great character.

"They know now what team they're playing against. It's a really good footy team that defended well and when under pressure they didn't crack.

"Next week gives us a good chance to have an attitude adjustment, realise it's a series now. We'll see what sort of character we're all made of."

Queensland's dominance started in the opening 10 minutes, Josh Papalii laying the platform with an imposing opening spell.

The Blues repelled a number of attacking raids before Cook redeemed his earlier mistake.

NSW rolled 100 metres down the field before the Helensburgh product regathered a deflected kick and barged over to open the scoring in the 15^th minute.

Addo-Carr had his side's second five minutes later, Fittler's men leading 10-0 and in control.

The Blues threatened to break the game open throughout the remainder of the half, however the Maroons knuckled down to ensure they entered the sheds with hopes of mounting a second-half comeback.

That is exactly what eventuated, Queensland crossing for three tries in a dominant final 40 to claim a 1-0 series lead.