Before he had dreadlocks and had tried his hand at the rah-rah game Lote Tuqiri donned the boots for the Maroons in the series opener 2002 without a whole lot of success, landing four from eight attempts for the series. But after the Blues well and truly trounced the Cane Toads 32-4 in Game One as the likes of Jamie Lyon, Danny Buderus and Brett Hodgson made their debuts, it was Tuqiri who had a night to remember in Game Two, running in for the second Queensland hat-trick in the Origin arena, some 18 years after Kerry Boustead's three try effort at Lang Park. Tuqiri also booted three goals in the 26-18 win that squared the series, making him an unlikely pub trivia answer when it comes to the record for most points from a Queenslander in Origin.
Watch it here.
Game One of this year's Holden State of Origin Seriesmarks 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 Milestones.
Game Two, 2002: Lote Tuqiri's Qld points record