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.
41. Game 3, 1994: NSW spoils Big Mal's Origin farewell (also Ben Elias’s last game)
With every Queenslander and his dog turning out at Lang Park and the series squared at 1-1, the stage was set for a fairy tale finish for Maroons great Mal Meninga, who turned out for a record 38th and final appearance in his state colours. But early tries to Canberra club mates Laurie Daley, Brad Clyde and Brett Mullins put NSW on the front foot, before hooker Ben Elias booted the only two field goals of his 19-game Origin career to ice a series win in what was also his last game in the interstate clash, ensuring at least his farewell rather than Meninga's would be a victorious one.
