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 Superstars.
89. Game Three, 2012: Johnathan Thurston handles three times in 80 metres as he sets-up and scores a crucial try.
At this point in time, Darren Lockyer was a year into his retirement. The keys to the glorious Maroons castle had been handed to Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston in the series decider. While this game will be remembered for every sinew aligning in Cronk's game-winning field goal, Thurston had a magical moment of his own when he scored in the 32nd minute but it wasn't just any old effort as the five-eighth managed to touch the ball three times over 80 metres. The five-eighth sliced through the NSW defence 20 metres out in his own half, running 40 metres downfield before passing to Brent Tate. With the tackle made Thurston wrapped around to the left hand side of the field who threw it out to his backline. With Greg Inglis receiving and passing on the ball to Corey Parker, Thurston managed to travel back in the inside for a Parker offload to secure Queensland the halftime lead.
