Billy breaks down in emotional post-match celebrations

Queensland veteran Billy Slater couldn't hold back the tears after starring in his first State of Origin match in two years.

Wednesday night's remarkable victory over NSW at ANZ Stadium marked the first time since game two 2015 that Slater, Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith all featured in the same game for the Maroons.

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After his 2016 season was ruined by a shoulder injury, Slater was controversially overlooked for game one three weeks ago, but returned with a bang on Wednesday night with a stellar performance to help level the series at 1-1.

The 34-year-old was being interviewed by Triple M after the match when the tears came.

"Words can't describe it," Slater said after a long pause following a question about what the win meant to him.

"I didn't think I'd get like this but a lot of hard work's been put in not just by myself but the support staff in Melbourne…"

That was all Slater could manage as the interview was ended early, but the emotional scenes showed just how much Origin means to the fullback.

After the match he celebrated on the field with his wife and children, who travelled up from Melbourne to watch his return to the Origin arena.

Slater was incredible in Queensland's 18-16 win, particularly with the Maroons searching for a try in the dying stages.

He managed to get on the outside of two NSW defenders to get the ball to Michael Morgan, before Dane Gagai moved back infield to take a flick pass and step his way over the line for the match-winning try.

Gagai shunned the spotlight and cast it firmly onto Slater.

"Even though people think he just passed the ball to Morgs, and it was Morgs that gave the offload," Gagai said.

"He (Slater's) done a great job to get outside and put Morgs away on the outside which was able to turn me back under."

with AAP