To celebrate the Holden State of Origin series we at NRL.com are celebrating by asking fans to vote on their favourite Origin moment. Today, a Queensland great returns to save the day and an unsung hero regains the shield for the Maroons.
Langer returns to seal the win
With New South Wales dominating State of Origin the year before with a 3-0 sweep, Queensland was looking for revenge. With the series locked up at one win apiece and Queensland severely down on star power they have been renowned for over the years, Maroons coach Wayne Bennett did the unthinkable and sent an SOS to then Warrington halfback Allan Langer to save Queensland. Unbeknown to most, Langer flew back to Brisbane's ANZ Stadium for his 31st Origin appearance and from there the wily halfback orchestrated an absolute blitzing of the Blues. Langer produced three try assists before putting the icing on the cake of the Maroons 40-14 win with a try of his own in the memorable Queensland series win.
Carlaw's late try saves the series
There are few men who can say they were truly responsible for winning a State of Origin series for their state and the unlikely Dane Carlaw was one of them in 2002. With a minute left in the game and 40 metres to run, Carlaw palmed off former Eels winger Jason Moodie and sprinted away downfield. Though Blues fullback Brett Hodgson would have a crack at stopping the Broncos back-rower from scoring Carlaw was able to secure a draw for Queensland – enough to keep Gordon Tallis happy and enough to keep the Origin shield for another year.
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