Queensland broke a 15-game losing streak stemming back to 2016 with their 29-28 victory over the Blues at Suncorp Stadium.
Here's what we're talking about after the thrilling comeback win.
1. Samu Kerevi will not wear a Reds jersey next season
He still won't confirm it but Samu Kerevi made his final home appearance for the Reds on Friday night and will play his final game against the Brumbies in Canberra next Saturday. It's a shame the Reds captain has been hamstrung by tradition which dictates he is unable to confirm his departure until his Japanese team announces his signature because Queensland fans should have massed to Suncorp Stadium to send off a proud representative.
Kerevi chose his words carefully in post-match interviews but his actions betrayed the confidence he has unfairly had to keep. His emotional reaction to the Reds overcoming their New Zealand hoodoo was more than just that of a man who will have another handful of chances against the Kiwis with a quickly maturing side.
2. Consistency remains the Reds' biggest hurdle
Brad Thorn rightly labelled consistency a "fair challenge" for the Reds moving forward, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead of a team with plenty of promise but much still to learn. Both the Reds and Blues headed into the match with a 5-9 season record but the Blues' play only highlighted the ground the Reds still have to make if they are to become a consistent threat, despite the win.
Periods of poor defence, one-dimensional attack and awful kicking still plague the Reds' game too often for them to be a competition-wide threat, although they promise plenty. Their efforts to remain competitive in almost all games this season despite those lapses is admirable and their effort will keep them in the contest but they need to improve a gear in all facets to be a finals force next season.
3. Higginbotham in vintage form
A week after his 100th game for the Reds, Scott Higginbotham was at the forefront again for the Reds, scoring a double that helped Queensland break their drought against Kiwi sides. The no.8 has been outstanding in the past fortnight since regaining a starting spot and finished with 73m from 11 carries against the Blues in a vintage showing.
Off to Bordeaux in the French Top 14 next season, the former Reds captain wanted to make his mark in his final game for Queensland and has left a legacy for the crop of quality forwards that are coming through the ranks. Backrowers Caleb Timu, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Fraser McReight and the uncapped Harry Wilson have big shoes to fill next season.
4. Thorn expects Queenslander attitude
A proud State of Origin representative, Reds coach Brad Thorn expects plenty of his troops when they wear maroon. While the coach recognises his young side has plenty still to learn and will accept a degree of inconsistency in results and tactical play, he will not compromise on effort.
It's a challenge the Reds have risen to for most of the season, remaining competitive through effort and will alone on occasion against vastly more skillful sides. That looked as though it wouldn't be the case against the Blues, with a lacklustre start causing them to fall behind quickly, with a massacre on the cards.
Effort alone won't be enough to sustain them going forward but they also won't reach the finals next season if they don't maintain the benchmark they've set this year.
5. A consistent halves pairing is needed
Scott Malolua did plenty right in his first run-on start in Super Rugby, providing quick service and taking the right option on most occasions. But the Reds are still struggling to find consistency at five-eighth, with Matt McGahan, the fourth option this season, offering little different to the attack.
Like Bryce Hegarty, McGahan is a great communicator and helps settle those around him but neither is yet the controlling hand the Reds so desperately need in their attacking zone. The loss of Kerevi will only further highlight the issues in attack, with Queensland so often relying on his ability to break the line to create chances.
