The greatest of the game threes, featuring heroes and villains and everything in between (and yes, that includes The King)
So, here we go again. Another State of Origin decider is upon us and it’s hard to tell who is more excited – footy fans or Nine Network executives. In a world of streaming services and watch on demand, an Origin decider is one of the few TV events that can still put millions of bums on lounge-room seats at the same time and Wednesday night’s climax to the 2022 series will be no exception.
From the moment rugby league’s interstate war went to a best-of-three contest in 1982, we have witnessed 21 deciders, with Queensland emerging triumphant on 14 occasions but getting to lift the shield 16 times courtesy of two draws and a fantastic rule which stipulated the reigning champions retain the title. That’s right, readers – I am a Queenslander, tasked with ranking State of Origin’s five most memorable deciders, but can assure our New South Wales supporters I will be unbiased in my summation – just like the late, great Queensland referee Barry Gomersall (insert wink emoji here). Game on!
Continue reading...