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 Controversy.
77. Game Four, 1987: An Origin game in California
With the Origin series done and dusted and Queensland securing a 2-1 win several weeks early, Origin officials thought it was best to see the spectacle travel halfway across the world for an unprecedented exhibition match that NSW would end up winning 30-18. Touted as Game 4 of the Origin series someone forgot to tell the players that it didn't count towards the final tally. It was barely a minute into the game when Queensland's Paul Vautin and NSW's Royce Simmons treated the American crowd to a good old fashion Australian biff. Peter Sterling found himself on the blooper reel before the game as well with the halfback seen struggling his way through a banner as he lead the Blues onto the field.
