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The greatest NSW moments? Queenslanders will rightfully snigger and proclaim I must have a good memory if I can remember any positive Blues moments.
However, before the Maroons’ recent dominance, the Blues provided their fans with many moments that will live on forever.
And in light of the seven-year losing streak, they are moments we New South Welshmen cling on to like a child clings on to a teddy bear.
5. Michael O’Connor’s game-winning kick in the wet
I was just a little boy at the time, but I remember O’Connor’s sideline conversion in the rain like it was yesterday.
It wasn’t though. It was 1991, and the NSW centre had the chance to keep the Blues’ hopes of a series victory alive if he could just land his conversion attempt.
However, it wasn’t quite that easy: the score was 12-all, it was pouring rain, the kick was basically from the sideline, there was next to no time left on the clock, and a miss meant Queensland would retain the Origin trophy.
Instead, O’Connor landed arguably the greatest pressure conversion in Origin history, along with earning a place in Origin folklore.
4. Mark Geyer versus Wally Lewis
OK, so it’s not exclusively a NSW memory, as many Queenslanders recall this moment just as fondly, but it would be foolish to leave the MG versus King Wally stoush off of any greatest moments of Origin list.
Though Geyer has gone on to have a successful media career, it’s worth remembering that at the time he was a relatively unknown footballer.
Well, at least compared to Wally Lewis, that is.
Lewis was arguably the most famous footballer player in the country in 1991. Revered in Queensland, loathed in NSW, ‘The King’ was rugby league royalty, and you simply didn’t mess with him.
Not only was he a great footballer, but he was as tough as nails. You weren’t beating him in a fight.
But that didn’t stop a young hothead from NSW challenging the Maroons legend.
In the same 1991 game as the O’Connor kick mentioned above, Lewis had objected to some of Geyer’s actions, especially a cheap shot on Steve Walters on the stroke of halftime which sparked an all-in brawl.
The two players were called out to speak to referee David Manson, and then went within an inch of setting off World War III as they got in each other’s faces and squared up more than once.
It was nothing short of sensational, and still makes riveting viewing over 20 years later.
3. The grenade-throwing try celebration
Game three of the 2000 State of Origin series is not a happy memory for Queenslanders.
Not only was the team absolutely annihilated 56-16 at Stadium Australia, with Ryan Girdler kicking a perfect 10 from 10 and notching a 32 point personal tally, but the loss meant the team had suffered the indignation of a three game sweep.
However, it was the embarrassment of watching the Blues celebrate like little school kids that most Maroons fans remember from that fateful night.
In the 65th minute, Blues backrower Bryan Fletcher scored a try, and immediately after, launched the ball at his waiting teammates in simulation of a hand grenade.
Pre-orchestrated, his teammates all dramatically fell to the ground, as the Maroons could only watch on in disgust.
It was disrespectful, it was childish, and it still serves as motivation for the Queenslanders to this very day. But I somewhat reluctantly admit that it is still a great NSW moment.
2. Freddy Fittler’s fairytale farewell
It couldn’t have been scripted better if tried.
Recalled out of representative retirement in 2004 by coach Phil Gould to answer a Blues SOS at five-eight, Fittler led NSW to 36-12 win over Queensland, which saw NSW win the series.
The fairytale was punctuated by a Fittler try in the dying moments when he charged down a Darren Lockyer kick, regained possession of the ball, and then sprinted over the tryline with his left arm raised in celebration, before placing the ball down for a four pointer.
The victory saw Fittler and Gould exit the Origin arena on a high, if not a fairytale.
1. Joey’s dominant performance
I’m fairly certain it’s not a coincidence that the last time NSW won a series was the last time Andrew Johns played for the Blues. In a career littered with brilliant performances, few stand out more than Joey’s game two heroics in 2005.
The Blues lost the first game of the series in golden point when Matt Bowen intercepted a Brett Kimmorley pass to seal a famous Queensland victory.
Johns returned from injury for game two, and dominated the game like no one I’ve ever seen do at the elite level, with all due respect to Wally Lewis.
Johns was absolutely mesmerising in orchestrating a 32-22 NSW win, with his vision, ball skills and timing leaving the Maroons scratching their heads.
It was the single greatest individual game I’ve witnessed in Origin, and the psychological effect on the Maroons was felt in game three, when NSW raced out to a 32-0 lead, still reeling from Joey’s dominance in game two, which turned the series on it’s head.
Seeming as it was the last time NSW won a series, it’s not hard to figure out why it’s the number one memory on this list.