May 29: Whare's dream debut; O'Connor kicks Blues to victory
On this day, a proposed State of Origin concept gathered momentum after another NSW win, Michael O'Connor kicked a clutch conversion for a famous Blues triumph, while Dean Whare had a debut to remember.
1972
Future Illawarra Steelers star John Simon is born. Simon debuted with the Steelers in 1990 and had six seasons with the club before joining the Roosters. He also had stints at the Eels, Warriors and Tigers before retiring in 2001. Simon played five games for NSW Country, four Origin games for the Blues and one game for Australia.
1979
New South Wales beat Queensland 31-7 to complete a two-game romp against the Maroons in an increasingly one-sided interstate series. A major suggestion now is a state of origin series.
1991
NSW turn the tables on Queensland in a thrilling return Origin match at the Sydney Football Stadium. A last-minute sideline conversion attempt by Michael O’Connor gives the Blues a 14-12 win after a bitter struggle. Wally Lewis and Mark Geyer square off after the half-time siren in a stoush that becomes part of Origin legend.
1998
North Queensland score one of the most remarkable comeback wins in premiership history when they overturn a 26-0 half-time deficit against Penrith, to win 36-28.
2005
Manly stage the biggest comeback in the club’s history to beat Penrith 36-26, after trailing 26-6 midway through the second half.
Morris was resigned to leaving NRL
2010
Centre Dean Whare becomes the first Manly player to score three tries on debut as the Sea Eagles hold out North Queensland 24-20 at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
2019
Freddy responds to Maroons 'Blues' ban
This article contains information from the official records of NRL historian David Middleton.
