It provided a fitting farewell for 33-year-old centre Justin Hodges who captain Cameron Smith let hold aloft the trophy as the Maroons went into party mode.
"From a coaching perspective to have 17 play at the best of their ability for themselves and each other - that's the best birthday present ever," Meninga said.
Eight members of Queensland's 17 were on the wrong side of 30 - including seven in the starting 13.
But Meninga hoped it was never again an issue after his side's stunning response to having their record eight straight series streak snapped last year.
"We had to be smart with the football [on Wednesday night], and that was generated through the older players like Smithy [Cameron Smith] and Cozza [player of the series Corey Parker]," Meninga said.
"The leadership group, the 'older players', were fantastic."
Retirement plans did not appear to be on anyone else's radar despite Hodges drawing the curtain on his 12-year, 24-game Origin career.
"No, we're not going too bad [for older players]," said 33-year-old Parker after claiming the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series.
Asked if they had proven a point in game three, Smith said: "I think we were proving a point to ourselves to be honest.
"After game two [26-18 loss] it was a point to prove to ourselves that we are a great footy side."
The final word went to Hodges who was given the honour of kicking the final conversion, providing welcome relief to Johnathan Thurston's boot.
"Apart from being an extraordinary player, he loves putting on the maroon jersey," Meninga said.
"He is one of our leaders ... and one of our characters - we will miss him." AAP
