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.
32. Game Two, 2011: Gallen's 80 minute 'iron-man' performance in the front row
Staring down a sixth straight series defeat after a hard fought 16-12 loss in Game One at Suncorp, Blues coach Ricky Stuart called on captain Paul Gallen to literally lead from the front, shifting his skipper into the front row in order to stack the NSW pack with mobile back-rowers. Despite having played the prop in just one game before (when the Sharks were thumped 44-12 by the Tigers in 2003), the move proved a master stroke, as Gallen churned out a phenomenal 211 running metres from 27 hit ups, turning in an 80 minute performance that earned a rare 'perfect 10' in Rugby League Week's player ratings, the first time the honour had ever been bestowed on a prop or in an Origin match.
