Sam Walker was shattered in the aftermath of his Origin debut after witnessing his dream Maroons victory stolen away in the dying seconds of the series opener.
Walker's inexperience in the representative arena proved no issue for Queensland on Wednesday night, with league greats left in awe of his skilful display against the Blues.
The 23-year-old's kicking game was a crucial difference in his team getting ahead on the scoreboard, with NSW defenders left scrambling to chase his short kicks.
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Walker's boot set up the game's first try via Robert Toia, before he later puzzled Laurie Daley's men with a remarkable down-field kick to hinder the Blues' momentum.
Cameron Munster told Nine at half-time that Walker had been instructed to simply "be himself" and he did exactly that to finish off a masterclass that will go down as one of the great Origin debuts despite the heartbreak.
"He's been incredible, Sam Walker," Andrew Johns said in commentary on Nine.
While heroic, Walker was unable to save the day, with James Tedesco leaping over Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to score the winning try.
Walker was visibly upset, despite being one of the top contenders to earn the man of the match award in the eyes of league greats.
His sights are now set on turning the result back in favour of the Maroons in game two.
"It is a hard one to reflect on right now. I am just disappointed, I guess," he told Nine.
"It is really special to be able to put the jersey on. The whole week has been really special. I am looking forward to the next game."
Concerns that he may fall short of the injured Tom Dearden due to his defensive frailties were quickly quashed by Walker as he stood tall throughout.
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The star playmaker told media in the sheds post-game that he never felt overawed by the occasion of playing in front of almost 80,000 fans in enemy territory.
"It's just footy, I've done it a thousand times," Walker said.
"Obviously it's a pretty big occasion, but I loved every minute of it. I got a lot of belief from the coaching staff to go out there and play my game and back what I see."
His performance in a losing side earned high praise from some of the all-time greats.
Johns, one of the best to ever wear a Blues jersey, was in awe of Walker's first game at Origin level, predicting he would be a long-term Queensland representative.
"Sammy is going to be there for the next 10 years," he said post-match.
"His short kicking game was a real standout. He was really strong and he organised his edge. He would be the man of the match, for sure [if Queensland won]."
Smith agreed, adding: "If Queensland were to hold on, he would be man of the match.
"I thought he was outstanding. I think the biggest rap you could get is Joey saying you've had one hell of a debut.
"It was just the way he controlled the game for Queensland early on … and that is not a common trait that you'd consider from Sam Walker.
"He helped set up a lot of the points tonight and got all the troops downfield. He kicked well. He was fantastic."
His coach Billy Slater was also full of praise after his introduction to Origin level and said he felt more confident in the halfback's ability the longer camp progressed.
Walker said working alongside Slater – a player he no doubt grew up idolising – gave him the belief to go out there and perform on the biggest stage.
"It was really special," he said.
"I think he's an unbelievable coach, he's done such a great job with this side for a number of years and it gave me confidence going into the week."
Walker will likely retain the No.7 jumper for game two with Dearden still sidelined.
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