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.
Bigjohn
Guest
Geyer did not mind knocking players like Paul Hauff around, but was not so sure about taking on Lewis. Wally is a hell of a lot bigger in person than he looks on tv. Re the grenade throw, I was at Lang Park when a bloke in a number 6 guernsey ran out and sprayed a cockroach with a giant can of insect killer. I recall that the NSW press hated it , but it was pretty funny for the home crowd.
Beefer
Guest
What about Timmins field goal? Pure arse. Everyone hates losing to pure arse- that's what makes it so enjoyable for the victors
Renegade
Guest
Cheers LPG, It was good banter - love origin time but....i hope 52,000 rednecks go home dissapointed tonight ;) haha For the record, i think you guys will win at the graveyard that your name suggests....hopefully i'm wrong!
Damn Straight
Roar Rookie
The grenade was far more creative than that irritating, hillbilly, bogan Queensland yippi yippi aye song Ryan. :)
V.O.R.
Guest
Ha...ha...yer mate...good luck.. I've got to go to the TAB to put a tenner on Papali for man of the match. Was fun. ;)
V.O.R.
Guest
It could just be a coincidence that Gallen's well documented freak performance in 2011 was not drug assisted. However, due to the leaked e-mail from the Cronulla Doctor, the weight of evidence suggests, that this is a very real question that needs to see the light of day until it is answered either way. The idea that Gallen could possibly be caught up in this fiasco has been swept under the rug.
Lang Park Graveyard
Guest
I'm done. Got to do some stuff... like get ready for a great game of footy! Thanks for the banter Ryan & the rest of you lads - it's been highly entertaining! Good luck & may the best team win. QLDER!!!
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Can I just go watch the game now?! Haha!
V.O.R.
Guest
We disagree... and as a side note...again for Renegade and Ryan..your practice of inflating and misrepresenting my forum posts continue...now I have apparently said there is a "massive" cultural divide. These types of responses are overplaying your hands and do you no favours. P.s. NQLD'ers don't just have a lot of passion, for many of them, their whole life revolves around the Maroon jersey. In that respect I imagine there are many people from NSW who are glad that this fundamental tribalism is not as clearly evident in their culture. Different it is.
Renegade
Guest
LPG, Read my above post....Gallen has been doing this for 10 years - i don't think there is any link between whatever happened in 2011 and his career.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Getting lost in all the comments here! However, I addressed my error in reply to another one of your comments, VOR, by saying: "My use of ‘whole state’ was hyperbole in hindsight, so I apologise. However, it did seem that you were insinuating it."
Renegade
Guest
V.O.R I have no doubt that the people of N.QLD have a lot of passion for their state and its rugby league team. But i feel you've digressed....the original point was that there is no way that NSW show any more arrogance than QLD does nor is there some massive cultural divide as you suggested.
Lang Park Graveyard
Guest
Thanks Renegade. Exactly the point re: the deafening silence. Why would T'eo's situation (alleged) & Ferguson's situation get a big run on the Sydney-centric national media we get beamed in up here in redneck wonderland & yet we hear nothing during origin time about the shadow that hangs over the NSW captain & origin because of the ASADA allegations. Possible legal limitations aside, It's clear the media drones that surround the game don't want to go near it, it's too sensitive. The idea is too painful. But the fact is, this should be one of the biggest, most newsworthy stories for any independent journo with some courage, & yet all we get is a frontline national story on Mal stepping behind a bar. Gallen's is THE big story yet there hasn't been one mention in the mainstream media to at least investigate what the possible fall out could be for the legitimacy of of Origin if one of its captain's goes down for performance enhancing drugs. Not even a trickle. It may not happen, but in case it does, be prepared for some more dark days if this flawed hero you've clung to in your seven years of desperation, goes down by the end of the year.
Jay C
Guest
Obviously he had gotten onto some good disco bikkies before that one.
V.O.R.
Guest
"So you have it on record somewhere that the V.O.R. says the whole state of NSW is arrogant?" . I will happily say that I think this is not the case as I have many friends from NSW that I have won a lot of money and free dinners from over the last 7 years. They have all acted very humbly when parting with their coin. ;)
Jay C
Guest
I reckon Gus would have been close to throwing a couple MG's way for firing the king up. Geez, the man doesn't need another reason to want to hurt you.
V.O.R.
Guest
Renegade, I have lived in Penrith for many years, actually played a season for the Blue Mountain men...there is certain experiences there to draw on. I saw certain things happen on a footy field in the Penrith competition that I never witnessed playing in the Brisbane competition. Like two of my team mates being hospitalised by elbows to the head. Never have I seen a scared referee in my games in Queensland. On the point of North Queensland, it may be difficult for an outsider to appreciate. It's like trying to explain to someone what an orange tastes like. It's a unique experience and you have to taste it to know. For example, in NQLD it is very common for lounge rooms to be turned into year round shrines to the Maroons...again, you really have to taste it...just don't wear your sky blue when you do.
Gareth
Roar Pro
For lovers of the art, the Eels/Tigers game earlier this year had a classic moment. The Eels had just made another costly error and one of their players was on the ground on all fours, hanging his head and trying to work out where it all went so wrong. And so Liam Fulton casual wanders across, swings a leg over and with a completely deadpan expression, sits on his back like a jockey for a couple of seconds and then stands up and walks off.
Renegade
Guest
So where does it say that Paul Gallen was one of the players?? This guy has been putting in these performances week in and week out for over a decade....it's a massive stretch to suggest his performances have anything to do with what happened while Danks was at Cronulla for 4 weeks.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Well is there a cultural divide between the states or not? My use of 'whole state' was hyperbole in hindsight, so I apologise. However, it did seem that you were insinuating it.