1993 State of Origin series

The 1993 State of Origin series was the 12th year that the annual best-of-three series of rugby league football matches between the Queensland and New South Wales representative teams was contested under 'state of origin' selection rules. Queensland's favourite son Wally Lewis returned as coach just two years after his retirement as a player. __TOC__

Game I New South Wales were playing their second series under Phil Gould. Queensland were coached for the first time by their Origin "King" Wally Lewis.

An extraordinary defensive effort by New South Wales gave them the spoils in Game I. The Blues led 12–2 at half-time and then held on grimly in a dour second half repelling waves of Queensland attackers. At one stage in the second half, Queensland held the ball for 21 consecutive tackles within 10 metres of the Blues line, but never broke through. New South Wales in that half made an incredible 161 tackles and clung on for a 14–10 victory in an effort typified by one of their big-hearted forwards, Ian Roberts, who had to leave the field moments from the end suffering from exhaustion.

The Blues were inspired by Ricky Stuart and his Canberra halves partner Laurie Daley who overshadowed Brisbane halves duo Kevin Walters and Allan Langer.

Game II

In game II the series could easily have been levelled but Queensland allowed a number of scoring opportunities to slip away. The Maroons led 6–0 at the break after captain Mal Meninga crashed over at the bell but missed at least three try-scoring chances in the first half. Willie Carne scored a fair try from a well planned and well executed cross-field kick by Allan Langer but referee Eddie Ward ruled Carne off-side. Television replays showed he wasn't. In the 30th minute Meninga passed to winger Adrian Brunker who was tackled short of the line after Meninga looked as if he might have scored himself. Four minutes later, Queensland fullback Dale Shearer inexplicably lost the ball in the in-goal area when he should have scored.

New South Wales came out inspired by the half-time words of Phil Gould and struck back promptly and with purpose. Laurie Daley scored early in the second half and lock Brad Mackay was over three minutes later after a Ricky Stuart clearing kick was touched in flight putting NSW on-side and allowing Brad Fittler to regain possession. From having been under pressure and looking as if a loss was imminent, the Blues had bounced back for a four-point lead at 10–6.

Rod Wishart scored again for the Blues before Kevin Walters brought the game back into the balance with a try five minutes from full-time. With time ticking away the Maroons refused to concede and another memorable Origin image was created when Meninga came charging out of his own quarter and raced 40 metres upfield before confronting Laurie Daley the sole New South Wales defender. It was a State of Origin moment frozen in time, captain on captain and the match result resting on the winner of the confrontation. It was the Canberra Raiders captain Meninga being chased by his team-mate and understudy Daley. It was the face of the future Australian Test captain chasing down the present. Meninga drew Daley in and passed to Mark Hohn in support, only to see the front-rower drop the ball as the hooter sounded and the Blues retained the trophy.

Game III

Although Game III was a dead rubber both teams put on a sterling performance in front of a crowd of 31,500. A first-half brawl erupted when an early scrum broke up in the 23rd minute. Regular combatants and bitter rivals Steve Walters and Ben Elias clashed while Paul Harragon and Martin Bella stood trading blows. In the aftermath referee Greg McCallum sent all four to the sin bin.

While Maroons coach Lewis was able to take some consolation from the win, the night belonged to Queensland stalwart Bob Lindner who was playing his 25th and last Origin match and was farewelled by the Lang Park crowd.

New South Wales teams PositionGame 1Game 2Game 3 Fullback Tim Brasher Wing Andrew Ettingshausen Graham Mackay Centre Paul McGregor Andrew Ettingshausen Centre Brad Fittler Wing Rod Wishart Five-Eighth Laurie Daley (c) Halfback Ricky Stuart Prop Glenn Lazarus Hooker Ben Elias Robbie McCormack Ben Elias Prop Ian Roberts David Fairleigh Second Row Paul Sironen Second Row Paul Harragon Lock Brad Mackay Interchange David Fairleigh Terry Hill Interchange Craig Salvatori David Gillespie Interchange Brett Mullins Jason Croker Scott Gourley Interchange Jason Taylor Coach Phil Gould

Queensland teams PositionGame 1Game 2Game 3 Fullback Gary Belcher Dale Shearer Wing Willie Carne Brett Dallas Centre Mal Meninga (c) Centre Steve Renouf Mark Coyne Wing Michael Hancock Adrian Brunker Willie Carne Five-Eighth Kevin Walters Julian O'Neill Halfback Allan Langer Prop Martin Bella Hooker Steve Walters Prop Steve Jackson Mark Hohn Second Row Bob Lindner Trevor Gillmeister Second Row Gary Larson Lock Billy Moore Bob Lindner Interchange Mark Coyne Julian O'Neill Kevin Walters Interchange Dale Shearer Steve Jackson Darren Smith Interchange Mark Hohn Billy Moore Steve Jackson Interchange Andrew Gee Darren Smith Billy Moore Coach Wally Lewis

1993 State of Origin series

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