Lang Park. Suncorp Stadium. Call it what you like - it’s hallowed ground. The kind of place where Queensland legends are made. Where the spirit of Origin greats like Beetson, Jackson, and Tosser Turner lingers in the air. In this episode of Stories of Origin: Magic Moments, we rewind to Game 3, 2022 - a decider for the ages. With just under two minutes on the clock and the series on the line, New South Wales launch one last desperate raid… until Ben Hunt steps in. He’s not flashy. But he’s pure heart. And in that moment - with the GOAT Cam Smith watching on - the Dozer delivers. Queensland erupt. Suncorp explodes. The Maroons reclaim the shield. This is the story of Ben Hunt’s heroic Origin moment - and one of the greatest decider finishes we’ve ever seen. Go Dozer! Featuring Ben Hunt, Billy Slater and Johnathan Thurston.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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20:26
Magic Moments: Turvey Triumphant
After five painful years of Maroon dominance, 1985 was the year New South Wales said “enough.” They turned to Canterbury’s fearless halfback Steve “Turvey” Mortimer - a man with blue blood and an unbreakable will - to lead the charge. From stirring pre-game speeches to that unforgettable chair-lift off the SCG, Mortimer’s passion and grit didn’t just win a series - he rewrote Origin history and brought the Blues their first ever series win. Sometimes, you’ve just gotta want it more. Featuring Laurie Daley, Mark Geyer, Andrew Johns, Peter Wynn, David Middleton and Roy Masters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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25:00
Magic Moments: The Miracle Try
If you need to understand Origin in just one moment, it’s the closing minutes of Game One, 1994. The Blues were cruising - 10 points up with 10 to play - until a wave of maroon belief swept the Sydney Football Stadium. Alfie Langer to Kevvy Walters, Michael Carne joins, Renouf streaks down the touchline, Hancock keeps it alive, Darren Smith inside, back to Alfie… BIG MAL sets the stage, and from nowhere Mark Coyne dives for the corner: “Queensland is never beaten!” In this episode of Stories of Origin, relive the chain‑reaction of passes that produced one of rugby league’s greatest tries and forged a mantra that still defines the Maroons. Hear first‑hand reflections on the pressure, the precision, and the pure Queensland spirit behind the Miracle Try - because when it’s Origin, it’s never over.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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21:12
Magic Moments: Teddy's Match Winner
A series decider at ANZ Stadium. The Blues teetered on the brink, heartbreak hanging over Homebush once more - until one breathtaking chain of passes rewrote Origin folklore. Relive the frantic final minute: Cordner to Murray, Pearce punching through the line, Trbojevic unleashing Ferguson on white-knuckle tippy-toes down the sideline, and - like lightning - James “Teddy” Tedesco diving over to clinch NSW’s first back-to-back crown since 2005. Buckle up for the play that stunned Queensland and carved Teddy’s name into Origin legend. Game 1 of the 2025 State of Origin series is live and exclusive on Nine & 9Now, Wednesday 28 May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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20:02
Magic Moments: Arthur Beetson's Arrival
In the 45th year of rugby league’s fiercest rivalry, Stories of Origin is back with its most emotional season yet - Magic Moments: As Voted By You, thanks to TAB. Across six epic episodes, fans chose the plays that made them shout, cry and believe again, and the legends who lived them tell every raw detail. We kick off where Origin itself began: Arthur Beetson’s thunderous return to Lang Park in 1980. A weary warrior summoned home, Beetson strapped on the captain’s armband and, in eighty unforgettable minutes, turned a fledgling concept into the greatest spectacle in Australian sport. Hear rare archival audio, inside-the-sheds reflections, and fresh insight from Wally Lewis, Phil Gould, Roy Masters and more as they relive the night one man’s pride and power put State of Origin on the map. Narrated by Mathew Thompson. Game 1 of the 2025 State of Origin series is live and exclusive on Nine & 9Now, Wednesday 28 May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 Allan Langer, Brad Fittler, Billy Slater, Paul Vautin, Wally Lewis, Phil Gould, Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Jonathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer, Paul Gallen, 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.
A Wide World of Sports and 9Podcasts production.
New Zealand