Born and raised in Melbourne, State of Origin games aren't something I usually get the honour of witnessing in person, but this year marks the occasion when, once again, those south of the border get to see one of the greatest rivalries, not just in Australian sport, but globally, take place in the flesh.
Many great moments of players seizing the spotlight have helped form the state rivalry in one of Australia's biggest cities and this year promises not to disappoint in the slightest after the historic New South Wales (NSW) comeback win in Game 1.
NSW holds the bragging rights in Melbourne, winning a total of five times compared to Queensland's four wins. The Blues are holding a 4-1 record at the MCG, and the Maroons are having the better luck at Marvel Stadium with a 3-1 record.
But what are the moments in those nine games that took the Origin world by storm and that have cemented themselves in rugby history?
8. 2009 Origin 1 (Docklands)- Greg Inglis masterclass
Greg Inglis was a terrifying mix of speed, strength and showmanship, with the centre having not but two great moments in the same game. Inglis sneaked past the line for his first and breezed past a plethora of Blues defenders in his 75-metre run for his second, but his passing would win the Maroons the game.
With about 20 seconds left, Inglis broke through a tackle and threw a dummy on the edge to Darius Boyd for the win.
