Stories of Origin

It can take just one play to make someone an Origin hero. In the case of Adam Mogg, his two games for Queensland are as significant as any.

In 2006, State of Origin was in its 25th year. New South Wales was coming off its third straight series victory and there was growing concern about the long-term future of State of Origin, as many commentators were beginning to wonder if Queensland would ever win another series.

Up step the Toowoomba product, Adam Mogg. 

In this episode of Stories of Origin, Adam Mogg and Jonathan Thurston sit down to discuss the 2006 series, the adversity they had to overcome, and the unlikely hero that would help trigger a decade of Queensland dominance. 

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Gus and Big Marn share their most memorable Origin moments, hilarious footy stories and a detailed preview of the 2023 State of Origin series.

State of Origin is live and exclusive on 9 and 9Now.

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The 2014 State of Origin is best remembered for New South Wales' victory which ended Queensland's record run of eight straight series wins. 

The opening game in front of a raucous Queensland crowd at Suncorp Stadium was a grueling affair. 

The Blues won 12 - 8 in a demanding match, in large part thanks to the memorable performances of the Morris Twins.

In this episode of Stories of Origin, Brett and Josh Morris take us through Game 1 of the 2014 drought-breaking series, and the courage, determination and resilience that ended Queensland's dominance.

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The 1998 State of Origin series featured some of the best Rugby League ever witnessed. 

After three years of interruptions due to Super League, the best of the best were back to battle it out for interstate supremacy. Player for player, it was perhaps the strongest series ever staged.

Champion Darren Lockyer wore the maroon of Queensland and the green and gold of Australia and with the Super League seasons behind him, was regarded as one of the world's best players.  

It was his left boot that capped a remarkable Queensland comeback victory in Game One of the 1998 series.

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In 2022, Brad Fittler and Billy Slater faced each other for only the second time in their Origin careers.

The first time in 2004 it was under a very different set of circumstances. Slater was at the beginning of his State of Origin journey whilst Freddy was at his twilight.

The 2004 State of Origin series provided us with some of the most memorable moments of all time.

In this episode of Stories of Origin, Brad Fittler and Billy Slater take us through the highs and lows of Origin 2004 and share their fondest memories in what would be one of the most iconic series to date. 

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Welcome to Stories of Origin Series II focusing on some memorable State of Origin performances. The brilliant player of the match efforts, the toughest displays, the scintillating tries.

There could be no better way to launch this season than with Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin and Peter Sterling.

In 1987, the Blues halfback Peter Sterling was named Player of the Match, twice. Yet the Maroons featuring Vautin in the back row clinched the series after three epic encounters before Origin hit the road for the United States for the first and only time.

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Last year we launched Stories of Origin the podcast by telling some of the greatest Origin stories with the icons of Australia's greatest sporting rivalry.

In Season 2 we're focusing on some memorable State of Origin performances.

The brilliant player of the match efforts, the toughest displays, this scintillating tries. 

Stories of Origin - Season 2 - available now.

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Billy Slater is one of the greatest ever Queensland players, but does that ensure his success as a coach?

The legendary fullback steps into the coaches box for the first time in his career on Wednesday night. 

In this exclusive extended interview, Slater outlines his hopes for the series and why he wanted to take on the biggest challenge in his sporting career.

Hosted by Mathew Thompson.

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On this episode of Stories of Origin, we go inside NSW camp for an exclusive interview with Blues coach Brad Fittler.

Hosted by Mathew Thompson.

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1995 was the height of the Super League war.

As a tactic to fight back against News Limited, the ARL ‘overlooked’ players who’d committed to the breakaway competition from representative selection.

And so it was, Queensland entered camp with an unrecognisable squad and a rookie coach, Paul Vautin.

They couldn’t beat a New South Wales team still bursting with international talent. Could they?

In this episode of Stories of Origin we examine how Paul Vautin’s team of no-name Maroons did the impossible.

Hosted by Mathew Thompson.

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Here’s the scenario.

It’s an origin decider in front of a full house.

12-all - 90 seconds to play.

Your state needs a matchwinner!

Who stands up?

The very best footballers rise in the clutch.

On this episode of The Stories of Origin, we talk to the greatest talisman Origin has produced, Jonathan Thurston.

He relives his greatest match-winning plays and outlines the extent of his sheer hard work and will to win.

Hosted by Mathew Thompson.

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In the first 12 years of modern Origin, QLD won 9 series.

NSW needed a circuit breaker.

In 1992, they called on a man who, in his first four years as a first-grade coach, had been to three grand finals - for two wins, the first of those in his debut season.

Could Phil Gould replicate his club success on rugby league’s greatest stage?

On this episode of Stories of Origin, the godfather of NSW rugby league, Phil Gould.

Hosted by Mathew Thompson.

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Between 2006 and 2013, Queensland enjoyed the greatest winning stretch Origin has ever seen.

They won 11 of 12 series - including eight in a row from 2006.

But it was a dynasty that almost didn’t happen. And had it gone the other way, some of the states greatest players may have suffered a premature end to their time in Maroon.

This is the story of The Dynasty featuring Darren Lockyer, Greg Inglis, Cameron Smith and Paul Gallen.

Hosted by Mathew Thompson.

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Andrew Johns and Cameron Smith are the two best players of their generation.

On this episode of Stories of Origin, they sit down together to discuss their remarkable state careers. 

Smith played a record 42 origin games for QLD. He was the key player in the Maroons remarkable dynasty.

Johns is regarded as the Blues greatest ever player. He is rugby league’s 8th immortal. 

Hosted by Mathew Thompson.

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Welcome to Stories of Origin, a podcast series that explores the rich history of NSW V QLD in the words of the warriors themselves.

We start our series at the beginning of the modern origin format. The birth of Origin. 

In 1980, The Queenslander’s were sick of New South Wales stealing their players so they got them back for a one-off game in 1980. 42 years later, it’s never been bigger!

You’ll hear from The King - Wally Lewis, Paul Vautin and passionate Queenslander Chris Close. They talk about the passion instilled in the Maroons jersey and the growth of the interstate battle to the juggernaut it is today.

Hosted by Mathew Thompson.

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Since 1980, State of Origin rugby league has been a treasure trove of remarkable stories.

They involve mateship, resilience, winning against the odds. Pain, refusal to quit. Underdogs triumphing in the face of doubt. The most romantic elements of sport.

Stories of Origin features Origin greats Brad Fittler, Billy Slater, Paul Vautin, Wally Lewis, Phil Gould, Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Jonathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer, Paul Gallen, Greg Inglis, Ricky Stuart, Ben Ikin, Chris Close and many more. The podcast series taps into their experiences and unwraps new angles on their Origin careers.

You’ll hear some classic yarns from on the field and inside the dressing sheds. It is compulsory listening for any sports fan.

The first episode is available Friday 13 May 2022.

A Wide World of Sports and 9Podcasts production.

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