Game One of this year's Holden State of Origin Series marks the 100th clash between fierce rugby league rivals New South Wales and Queensland. To mark the occasion NRL.com is reliving 100 of the most iconic moments of the past 34 years of this compelling contest. Right through to Game Three on July 9, we'll publish videos of the Milestones, Superstars, Gamebreakers, Superplays, Heroes, Emotions and Controversy - all of the exciting elements that have made Origin the most-watched spectacle in rugby league. This week: Origin's Greatest Heroes.
23. Game 3, 1995 Paul Vautin's Maroons complete 3-0 whitewash
Missing stalwarts Allan Langer, Kevin and Steve Walters, Steve Renouf due to the Super League war as well as Mal Meninga who retired at the end of 1994 series, it was a question of NSW by how many as the Blues lined up in anticipation of their fourth straight series win. But with a 2-0 victory in the first ever try-less Origin match followed by a series clinching 20-12 win at the MCG, Paul Vautin's unheralded combination of journeymen and untried youngsters had done the unthinkable and outplayed a Blues side featuring modern greats Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Paul Harragon. The Maroons then iced the cake with a 24-16 in front of 40,000 ecstatic fans at Lang Park, as skipper Trevor Gillmeister dragged himself out of a hospital bed to take part in the historic occasion.
Watch it HERE.
Watch it HERE.
