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?
6. 1997 Origin 2 (MCG)- John Simon game-winning field goal
Field goals are always a sudden yet exciting way to finish a game, and what better way to kick one than in the State of Origin.
As scores levelled at 14 apiece on the 69th minute, a hero was needed from either side to get their side over the line. That hero came in the form of New South Wales' half John Simon, who took the moment by the reigns and booted a 26-metre field goal to get the Blues the one-point lead. A lead they would hang on to due to a missed penalty by Julian O'Neill in the last couple of minutes.
