New South Wales, captained for the first time by Manly-Warringah hooker Max Krilich who got the job ahead of Parramatta lock Ray Price, won their first Origin match in game I of the 1982 series at Lang Park 20–16, inspired by a fine display from halfback Steve Mortimer but not before resisting another valiant comeback by Queensland.

The Blues led 17-6 and appeared to be coasting toward a comfortable victory until centre Mal Meninga – who achieved the rare feat of winning the man-of-the-match award from a losing side – cut a swathe through the New South Wales defence.

Mortimer laid on a late try for Penrith's powerful young replacement back Brad Izzard to lift the Blues to a 20–16 lead and the Maroons were then required to battle desperately to hold their line intact for the final minutes.

Maroons coach Arthur Beetson sprang a late surprise when he replaced Manly-Warringah second-rower Paul Vautin, who made his Australian debut a month later in the test series against New Zealand, in the starting line-up with veteran front-rower Rod Morris.

The Queensland plan was to bustle the Blues out of the contest and they were aided in this by Qld referee Barry Gomersall making his own Origin debut and allowing the Maroons enormous latitude in the tackles.

The Maroons led 8-7 before Vautin sealed the result with a late try scored after second-rower Rohan Hancock punched a hole in the Blues defence close to the line.

Trapped by Second-rower Paul McCabe, Sigsworth threw a pass to Duke who fumbled the ball, and Wally Lewis dived on it for a try that rocked the Blues.