It was an acceptable return considering the strength of Queensland at the time, but his axing was acrimonious. For Daley and Trodden, an unabashed Daley supporter and friend, failure in this series is not an option. A loss would put a bunsen burner on both their backsides. Last night Daley passed the first test brilliantly. His supremely coached side outmuscled, out-enthused and outplayed the Maroons at Suncorp Stadium for an 18-6 win. Things got tight in the second half after a 14-2 Blues lead at the break, but NSW were always in control. Considering Queensland were at home, and are notoriously fast starters having won five of the past six series openers including the past three straight, it was a supreme victory.