Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic starred for the Blues, scoring three tries in the centres in their 38-6 win over Queensland in front of 59,721 in Perth on Sunday.

Trbojevic was part of NSW's revamped centres, along with Canberra Raiders five-eighth Jack Wighton, but he played more like a second fullback alongside Blues No.1 James Tedesco.

They were under scrutiny because of the controversial dropping of Latrell Mitchell, with Wighton taking his place, while Trbojevic came in for Josh Morris.

Trbojevic, just two games back from a serious hamstring injury, scored NSW's first Origin hat-trick since Matt King in 2005.

Both Trbojevic and Wighton got off to a flyer, with Wighton having two tackle breaks inside the opening 10 minutes and Trbojevic out jumping Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga to score the opening try.

But it wasn't all plain sailing for Wighton, who carried the ball strongly all night, but he also gave away a penalty try for obstructing his Queensland counterpart Will Chambers.

From there, it was all NSW as they blew the Maroons off the park.

"It was good fun [playing in the centres], obviously a different challenge to playing fullback, but it was one that I've done before and I was happy to get away with that result," Trbojevic said.

"It was a bit wet out there so [Blues coach Brad Fittler] just said get in the middle and look for some footy.

"It was good to link up with [Damien Cook] and [James Tedesco]. I think it worked well for us."

Recalled Blues five-eighth James Maloney had a hand in everything, from 40-20s to his kicking game, to running the Blues on his own with halves partner Nathan Cleary (ankle) unable to continue after half-time.

It forced Wade Graham to slot in at five-eighth and he put in a delightful grubber for Blues winger Josh Addo-Carr to run onto for the first of his double.

He could've had a hat-trick as well but for a forward pass from Maloney when he was wide open.

NSW forward Tyson Frizell also crossed for a four-pointer.

Queensland's woes could be compounded, or perhaps just his NRL club Gold Coast, with Jarrod Wallace put on report for a late shot on Maloney.

NSW supremo Phil Gould was full of praise for Wighton.

"He made a huge contribution. Even times when he didn't get the ball, he was back quickly on kick reception," he said.

"When they were moving the ball he was there around them - he didn't get it, but he was there in case and that's a great attitude thing."

The Origin series hangs in the balance with the Blues heading home to ANZ Stadium for the decider on July 10.

NSW BLUES 38 (Tom Trbojevic 3, Josh Addo-Carr 2, Tyson Frizell tries; James Maloney 5, Nathan Cleary 2 goals) bt QUEENSLAND MAROONS 6 (Will Chambers penalty try; Kalyn Ponga goal) at Perth Stadium. Referees: Gerard Sutton, Ashley Klein. Crowd: 59,721.