Stories of Origin

Back in 1994, Phil Gould’s Blues stunned Queensland by winning a decider at Lang Park - a feat unmatched for nearly two decades. Then came Game 3, 2024.

It was brutal. Tryless for over an hour. Every inch hard-fought. Then, with the series in the balance, Bradman Best crashed through - pure power, pure Origin.

Madge’s Blues had done it again. History repeated. A dream decider.

Featuring - Bradman Best, Ben Hunt, Phil Gould, Mark Geyer, Andrew Johns, Jonathan Thurston

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In the 45th year of rugby league’s fiercest rivalry, the Stories of Origin podcast returns with its most emotional series yet - Magic Moments: As Voted By You, thanks to TAB.

From the unforgettable to the unbelievable, these are the moments that made you shout, cry, and believe again. Chosen by fans and told by legends, this six-part series takes you inside the most iconic plays in State of Origin history - straight from the mouths of those who lived them.

From Arthur Beetson's thunderous first steps onto Lang Park in 1980 to Tedesco’s last-second heroics in 2019… From Coyne’s miracle try to Ben Hunt’s runaway redemption... hear rare and never-before-heard audio, raw behind-the-scenes reflections, and the emotion that makes Origin what it is - passion, pride, and power.

Narrated by Mathew Thompson, featuring Wally Lewis, James Tedesco, Brad Fittler, Phil Gould, Ben Hunt, Roy Masters, Billy Slater, and more.

Season 4 drops Monday April 28 on 9Now and wherever you get your podcasts.

Game 1 of the 2025 State of Origin series - live and exclusive on Nine & 9Now, Wednesday May 28.

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Throughout the 1990’s, Allan Langer and Ricky Stuart engaged in an intense on-field rivalry.

The star halfbacks of their respective club and state teams, the pair were virtually always opponents and locked into a perennial tussle to wear the Australian number 7 jersey.

On this episode of Stories Of Origin, we explore the battle of Langer and Stuart and how is their relationship after years of on field combat?

Hosted by Nine’s NRL Commentator Mathew Thompson. 

Produced by 9Podcasts & Wide World of Sports.  

Presented in partnership with Youi.

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After a humiliating defeat in the 2000 State of Origin series, Queensland turned to legendary coach Wayne Bennett to restore state pride. Bennett's bold move to select an entirely new Maroons team paid off with a victory in the opening game of the 2001 series.

However, the Blues fought back, leveling the series with a dominant performance in game two. With the decider looming, Queensland needed a spark.

Enter Allan Langer.

In this episode of Stories of Origin, we revisit the dramatic and unexpected return of Alfie Langer for the 2001 State of Origin.

Hosted by Nine’s NRL Commentator Mathew Thompson. 

Produced by 9Podcasts & Wide World of Sports.  

Presented in partnership with Youi.

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Allan Langer’s playing legacy still looms large over the Broncos.

The clubs Inaugural halfback in 1988 would become their first premiership captain in ‘92, a title they defended in ‘93.

He’d go on to lead a team rated among the greatest club outfits ever assembled to the Super League premiership of ‘97, and in ‘98 they reigned supreme again in a reunited 20 team competition.

It’s a career so profound that Langer is immortalised in bronze with his own statue at Lang Park alongside fellow QLD champions, Lewis, Lockyer, Beetson and Meninga.

Hosted by Nine’s NRL Commentator Mathew Thompson. 

Produced by 9Podcasts & Wide World of Sports.  

Presented in partnership with Youi.

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A Rugby League halfback is the beating heart of a football team, part drummer, part lead guitarist, but every seven needs a six. 

In the case of Alan Langer, his illustrious wingmen are as much a part of his story as himself. 

On this episode of Stories of Origin ‘Alfie’, we shine a light on Langer's leading men, playmaking champions Wally Lewis and Kevin Walters.

Hosted by Nine’s NRL Commentator Mathew Thompson.

Produced by 9Podcasts & Wide World of Sports. 

Presented in partnership with Youi.

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One of the smallest men to have played the game, ‘Alfie’ rose to become a giant figure of the sport.

On episode one of Stories of Origin, Alfie, we go back to where it all began. The sports loving, blue collar Queensland city of Ipswich, which has played a significant part in developing champions of the state.

And we explore a truly unique relationship. Alfie’s greatest supporter was actually a fellow number seven that was New South Wales to the core.

Hosted by Nine’s NRL Commentator Mathew Thompson. Produced by 9Podcasts & Wide World of Sports.  Presented in partnership with Youi.

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Episode 1 available Monday 29 April 2024.

Allan Langer. The diminutive playmaking whiz who bamboozled and befuddled opponents for decades remains Queensland’s most capped halfback and revered as ever.

Tough, tenacious and talented beyond all comprehension.

This season Stories of Origin shines the spotlight on the career of the little number 7 that became a giant footballing figure.

Stories of Origin ‘Alfie’ is available on 9Now and wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosted by Nine’s NRL Commentator Mathew Thompson. 

Produced by 9Podcasts & Wide World of Sports. 

Presented in partnership with Youi.

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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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