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>>Key State of Origin match upsKEY POINTS:
Every year since 1980 sports followers, not only from Australia but around the world, have been captivated by rugby league's greatest rivalry - State of Origin.
From all-in brawls to spectacular match winning tries the interstate grudge match between New South Wales and Queensland has produced many memorable moments, and tonight will be no different when they clash in this year's series opener in Brisbane.
Here's our State of Origin top five. Click here to send us yours.
1. Game one, 1994 - Maroons back from the dead
Down 12-10 deep in their half with just 40 seconds left remaining, Queensland produced one of the most amazing try scoring movements of all time. The play featured 11 passes and was finished off by Mark Coyne in the right corner for a remarkable come-from-behind victory.
2. Game one, 1980 - Arthur Beetsen
When State Origin first started in 1980 many people doubted it would become the success it is today. However, Arthur Beetsen, who was called-up from Parramatta reserve grade to captain Queensland, silenced the critics with a brutal display to carry Queensland to victory. His crunching hit on Parramatta teammate Mick Cronin helped give rise to the Orgin catchcry - "State against state, mate against mate".
3. Game two, 1991 - Wally Lewis
Wally Lewis, or "the King" as he is known in Queensland, always played his best football for the Maroons and with eight man of the match awards is arguably State of Origin's greatest performer. Lewis, who captained the Maroons a record 30 times, spearheaded Queensland's dominance throughout the 1980s and although he produced many memorable moments with the ball in-hand, the one which is guaranteed to feature on any Origin highlights reel is when the King stood toe-to-toe with a fiery Mark Geyer in game two of the 1991 series in Sydney.
4. Game's two and three, 2005 - Andrew Johns
After losing game one in extra time in Brisbane New South Wales coach Ricky Stuart called on league legend Andrew Johns' services for the remainder of the series. This was seen as a huge gamble by the NSW coach as Johns' past two seasons were wrecked by injury and he had only played two games in 2005. But "Joey" answered his state's call with a sublime man of the match performance in game two, equal to or better than anything the great Wally Lewis produced for Queensland. He backed that up in game three with another outstanding game to secure an unlikely series victory for NSW.
5. Game three, 2001 - Alan Langer's return
Under a shroud of secrecy Queensland coach Wayne Bennett brought former Brisbane and Australian halfback back from England to steer the Maroons around in the decider. The move proved to be a masterstroke with the 34-year-old Langer defying the odds and inspiring his side to a massive 40-14 win in Brisbane.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
