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.
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?
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)
MJ
Guest
That game the Qld back 3 was Rhys Wesser (4 games), Clinton Schifcofske (2 games) and Adam Mogg (2 games), with Josh Hannay (2 games) in the centres with Brent Tate (substantially more games than those 4 combined). That series there were 3 different fullbacks for the Maroons (Matt Bowen G1, Karmichael Hunt G2)
MJ
Guest
Clinton Schifcofske, a 2 origin wonder.
Jay C
Roar Guru
It's the little ones I enjoy most. When QLD barely make 30 metres coming out of their end and Locky or Cam smith put in a perfect bomb to trap the NSW fullback in their own 10. A loose ball that you have no right to get to but somehow do. A try that shouldn't be. A tackle that seemed impossible. Some of the NSW heroics from last year. Particularly the two Morris brothers who I thought were gone for all money. That first hit up of the match. Setting the platform for 80 minutes. The wobbly field goal that either lifts your heart or crushes your dreams.
Griffo
Guest
The 2006 decider was 14-4 with less than 10 to go. Queensland managed to score twice to win that match. The first of those 2 tries was Thurston ducking under the defensive line about 70 out for a line break and throwing the ball out to Tate who ran half the length of the field to score under the sticks. The second of course is the famous Lockyer try you mentioned. Pop Quiz - Without checking any online resources tell me who kicked the winning goal for Queensland in that game?
Benedict Arnold
Guest
I would nominate the Wati Holmwood line break in 2013 as one of the great origin moments. With the game in the balance that single play led to a Queensland try which was unfortunately later disallowed. I've never seen a defensive line be so drawn into a run, they stood like statues watching him charge for the line. One of origin's true "great moments".
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Absolutely Jay. This is why the AFL is hanging by a thread. If it ain't global, it ain't happening.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I won't be watching now Epi. If people in Uzbekistan aren't interested than why should I be.
Jay C
Roar Guru
At least now I can see the edges. The old rear projection TV wasn't widescreen so it just cut off about 20 percent on either side. You couldn't even see the scores, and heaven forbid if a winger got the ball.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Really? I thought the rest of the world was hanging on every bit of Origin news they can get their hands on. I won't be able to enjoy the game at all now that I know how insignificant it is. Thanks a lot sheek.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
You're in for a fun-filled night of inconclusive, fuzzy video-ref replays.
sheek
Roar Guru
Most immediately iconic moment for me was Mick O'Connor's sideline conversion in the teeming rain in 1991, I think it was. Gawd, how I hated him for a long time defecting from rugby to league. His deeds in league confirmed what rugby missed. Artie Beetson belting then Parramatta team mate Mick Cronin in SOO1. Wally Lewis winning a handful of games single-handedly in the 80s. The best league player I've seen. Maroons last gasp try in about 1994, the ball going through about 15 pairs of hand. I like the drama & intensity of SOO, but the associated hype is absolute crap. When you peel all the layers away, it's contrived nonsense. Contrary to what eastern Australians think, the rest of the world will be going about their daily affairs without any knowledge of SOO. Even the rest of Australia will be only mildly curious.
Jay C
Roar Guru
So excited for tonight. Lucky I bought a new big screen up here so I can watch it in vivid low def.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
The average margin is 10 points. That says it all really. When people want to know why Origin is so popular it's because no matter how different each team's roster may appear, you can reasonably expect either side to win in any given match.