On this day, a bitter split crippled the Australian team; Brad Fittler was given a fitting farewell; the Maroons went on an Origin record rampage.

1985

Australia suffers a humiliating 18-0 loss in the third Test against New Zealand after the team is divided by a bitter rift. The split occurred after Test coach Terry Fearnley (also the successful NSW Origin coach) dropped four Queenslanders from a winning second Test team.

2002

Andrew Johns is named Australia’s 58th Test captain when selectors announce the team to meet Great Britain at Aussie Stadium.

2004

NSW send veteran five-eighth Brad Fittler out in triumph after a 36-14 win in the State of Origin decider at Telstra Stadium.

NSW Blues five-eighth Brad Fittler farewells Origin football in 2004. ©NRL.com

2008

South Sydney produce their second long-range comeback in as many weeks with a 34-30 golden point victory over the Bulldogs, after trailing 24-6 early in the second half.

2010

Queensland claim their first State of Origin series clean sweep since 1995 with a gripping 23-18 defeat of New South Wales at ANZ Stadium.

 

This article contains information from the official records of NRL historian David Middleton.