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 Emotions.
33. 1985, Game Three: This game is an emotional one as it is the last before Origin founder Ron McAuliffe retires as QRL President.
Despite having lost the series by the time Origin rolled back into Lang Park the Maroons had more than just pride on the line when they hosted the Blues for Game Three. In his role as the Chairman of the Queensland Rugby League, McAuliffe was an instrumental figure on getting the State of Origin concept off the ground when it was feared the interstate contest was dead and buried in the late 1970's. McAuliffe was one of almost 20,000 fans present as Queensland closed out the match 20-6 thanks to a Dale Shearer double, and while he passed away in 1988, McAuliffe's contribution to rugby league and Queensland is commemorated in the Ron McAuliffe medal, awarded to the Maroons player of the series since 1992.
