

With the Origin concept extended over a three-game period for the first time, the Blues were desperate to get off to a winning start after losing the first two Origin games to their Maroon counterparts in 1980 and 1981. This desperation shined through when Greg Brentnall defused a Wally Lewis bomb to ensure the Blues were to go 1-0 up in the series. With the Blues forfeiting an 11-point lead throughout the course of the game, Queensland were attacking the line with seconds remaining when Steve Mortimer, and then Brentnall were able to shut the Maroons last ditch play down in memorable fashion.