Even Lauren Brown didn't think it was going over. 

The Maroons utility is renowned for having one of the best boots in women's rugby league but the deluge in Newcastle meant getting any kick off the ground in Thursday's State of Origin match would be a struggle.

When Brown was lining up conversions, the goalposts were swaying in the howling wind. When she was lining up a last-second drop goal, she had to take care to avoid the puddles massing on the turf.

But Brown rose above the conditions to deliver Queensland an epic 11-10 which keeps the Origin series alive and puts the ball firmly in the Maroons' court ahead of next month's decider in Townsville.

"I can't believe it. I think I'm still dreaming," Brown said.

"I'm surprised it bounced because the field was so wet and slodgy. But I thought I'd give it a go because we probably weren't going to get another set.

"Sometimes it's better when there's pressure, there's less time to think and you just have to kick it."

The field goal, and the equalising conversion which proceeded it, was a triumph for Brown.

She missed all of last year's series as she underwent training to become a firefighter and making a return to Origin football was a priority for the Gold Coast playmaker.

Originally named at centre and normally a halfback with the Titans, Brown made a late move to hooker and held her own in the trying conditions.

"When it's wet you tighten up a bit, pass a bit before the line, don't try anything silly, just complete your sets and kick to the corner," said Brown.

"The shift from Game I was we just stuck in the fight. We didn't get bored with what we were doing.

"At the end of the first game we were coming home strong and we knew we had the fitness to do that again so all we had to do was show up for each other.