The Roar
The Roar

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Game changing moments are everywhere in State of Origin, let's relive some!

After a quiet game in Origin 1, Greg Inglis is due a big game. (Photo: AAP)
Editor
26th May, 2015
13

With the 2015 State of Origin series upon us, let’s take a look back at some of the best moments the game’s greatest rivalry has produced over the years.

Apart from the Super League debacle when the best players were denied official representative selection – State of Origin has showcased the best the sport has to offer.

Full State of Origin wrap:
>> ORIGIN 1 MATCH REPORT
>> FULL ORIGIN RESULTS
>> Live blog and highlights

It’s the reason why those who don’t watch any regular season NRL games feel compelled to watch all three State of Origin matches each year.

Since the New South Wales-Queensland concept turned into a series in 1982 there’s only been seven 3-0 whitewashes. The average margin over 99 matches is 10 points.

Even amid the reign of Queensland from 2006-2013 the average winning margin was 9.6 points.

The games are usually so close that mistakes are magnified, tries feel like they’re worth double, a big tackle inspires (think Gorden Tallis in 2002) and goal kicking can be the difference between a win and a loss.

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In the 2006 decider, which started Queensland’s eight series winning streak. New South Wales led 14-10 with six and half minutes remaining. Brett Hodgson threw a woeful pass and Darren Lockyer pounced for the series winning try.

In the next game to start the 2007 series, NSW led by 12 at half time after an incredible try to Jarryd Hayne on debut. But in the cruel nature of Origin, Hayne went from hero to zero with a mistake at the back. Darren Lockyer was once again there to capitalise and Queensland won the game and the series.

Of course NSW supporters will never forget Greg Inglis’ controversial try in 2012. The rebound rather than a knock on ruling put Queensland eight points up and shattered any hope of a Blues comeback. Ricky Stuart was so incensed he encouraged his players to boycott the media as a form of protest.

As much as it was a bitter pill for those wearing blue, the fact is Queensland were still up by two points and most likely would have held on in the dying stages.

The Maroons deserved to win eight series in a row because they handled those pressure moments best.

Now that the Blues have overcome the hoodoo, it will be interesting to see how this year’s series pans out. Will the games be decided by moments of madness, brilliance, referees or all of the above?

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In a team game it so often comes down to the individual.

“If you can keep your head when all about you
are losing theirs…”
(Rudyard Kipling)

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