Game One of this year's Holden State of Origin Series marks the 100th clash between fierce rugby league rivals New South Wales and Queensland. To mark the occasion NRL.com is reliving 100 of the most iconic moments of the past 34 years of this compelling contest. Right through to Game Three on July 9, we'll publish videos of the Milestones, Superstars, Gamebreakers, Superplays, Heroes, Emotions and Controversy - all of the exciting elements that have made Origin the most-watched spectacle in rugby league. This week: Origin's Greatest Heroes.
26. Game 3, 1996; Blues complete series whitewash with unchanged 17-man squad
Stung by the series white wash at the hands of Paul Vautin's men a year earlier, NSW returned the favour and went one better by fielding an unchanged 17-man squad for the entire series. Adopting the same halfback and hooker combination of Andrew Johns and Geoff Toovey that had seen Australia win the 1995 World Cup, the Blues outclassed the Maroons in the opening two matches to comfortably claim the series before returning to Suncorp Stadium for the final match. In holding off a fast-finishing Queensland outfit 15-14 courtesy of a first half field goal from Brad Fittler, the Blues became just the second NSW side after the 1986 champions to travel to the Cauldron and come away victorious twice in the same series.
Watch it HERE.
Watch it HERE.