Stories of Origin

In the final episode of Stories of Origin series five, host Mathew Thompson sits down with the legendary Greg Inglis to discuss his standout 2008 State of Origin campaign. Known for his power and intimidation, "GI" recalls how he overcame a difficult start to the series to secure a glorious victory in Queensland’s golden era of dominance. Despite his on-field success, Greg reflects on the personal challenges he faced with his mental health. Now, as a fit and healthy family man, he uses his powerful profile to support indigenous people who are experiencing the same issues. His commitment to the Goanna Academy is making a significant impact, a legacy that extends well beyond his on-field achievements, especially as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week. This episode concludes series five of Stories of Origin, winner of the Best Sports Podcast at the annual Australian Audio Awards. Host: Mathew ThompsonExecutive Producer: Matty White Thanks to TAB for supporting Stories of Origin Season 5.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No one has had a greater influence on New South Wales rugby league than Brad Fittler. A Blues legend, Freddy played a record 31 State of Origin matches for NSW before later coaching his state on 18 occasions. But the Origin story closest to his heart came in 2004, when Phil Gould convinced him to return from representative retirement for one final campaign. It wasn't all smooth sailing. The comeback didn't start as planned, but it ended with one of the most memorable fairytale finishes in Origin history. In this episode of Stories of Origin, Brad Fittler relives the 2004 series, his final season in the Sky Blue jersey, the unforgettable decider, and the perfect send-off alongside Phil Gould. A farewell that remains one of the great moments in Origin history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No player has worn the Queensland jersey more times than Cameron Smith. Across 42 State of Origin appearances, Smith became the ultimate competitor, captain and match-winner, helping lead the Maroons through one of the most dominant eras in rugby league history. But when asked to choose his favourite Origin, Smith doesn't go back to the beginning. He picks 2017. It was a series that seemed destined for New South Wales after a crushing Game One victory in Brisbane against a Queensland side missing Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston. Then came Thurston's unforgettable sideline conversion in Sydney despite a shattered shoulder. And finally, a decider in Brisbane that would become Smith's last ever game for Queensland. In this episode of Stories of Origin, Cameron Smith relives the highs, the pressure, the leadership challenges and the moments that made the 2017 series his most memorable Origin campaign. From adversity to triumph, this is the story of one of Queensland's greatest ever victories, told by the man who led it. Thanks to TABSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danny Buderus relives his favourite State of Origin memory, Game 3, 2005. From the heartbreak of Matt Bowen’s intercept in Game 1 golden point, to the return of Andrew Johns and captaining NSW to a famous 32-10 win at Suncorp.  At the time, nobody realised it would become the last Blues decider win in Brisbane for almost two decades. This is the story of a team that got knocked down, found belief again, and etched itself into Origin history. Thanks to TAB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The "Billy the Kid" Breakout: State of Origin Game 2, 2004 In this episode of Stories of Origin, host Matthew Thompson sits down with a true icon of the game, current Maroons coach and Queensland legend Billy Slater. Travel back to 2004, a year that cemented Slater's place in Origin folklore. We revisit the electric atmosphere of Suncorp Stadium and the moment that left the sporting world breathless: Slater’s legendary double chip-and-chase try. Join us as Billy reflects on the sheer instinct behind that iconic play, the magic of the 2004 series, and what it means to be part of the Maroons' enduring legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He was at his lowest ebb - then he delivered perfection. Welcome to Season 5 of Stories of Origin. as we sit down with the true icons of the game to explore the single Origin match that defined their legacy. We are kicking off this series with a bang. Rugby league’s greatest player, Nathan Cleary, joins us to dissect his favourite Origin game: his absolute masterclass in game two of the 2022 series in Perth. It was a performance that silenced the critics and showcased the resilience required to thrive at this level. Nathan takes us inside the intense pressure of that series, revealing how he channelled the disappointment of a 16-10 home loss in game one - against a Queensland side inspired by the champion Cameron Munster, to orchestrate the defining high point of his Origin career. It’s an intimate, tactical, and honest look at what it takes to own the toughest arena in rugby league. Proudly brought to you by TAB.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 5 of Stories of Origin is here, and we’re starting with a massive statement. After a stinging 16-10 loss in game one of the 2022 series - a result that left the Blues reeling and under immense pressure - Nathan Cleary faced the ultimate test of character. How did the game's greatest player bounce back to deliver one of the most clinical masterclasses in Perth? In our Season 5 premiere, hosted by Mathew Thompson and proudly brought to you by TAB, Nathan Cleary pulls back the curtain on his favourite Origin game. We explore the tactical brilliance, the pressure of the jersey, and the exact moment he turned a career low into his defining Origin performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was 1995 - the height of the Super League war. As the ARL blacklisted players aligned with Super League, Queensland was left with a team of virtual unknowns and a first-time coach, Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin. No one expected them to win. Facing a New South Wales side stacked with international stars, the Maroons were written off before a ball was kicked. But what happened next became legend. Three decades on, Stories of Origin revisits the year Fatty’s Neville nobodies delivered a clean sweep and redefined what it means to wear Maroon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in 1994, Phil Gould’s Blues stunned Queensland by winning a decider at Lang Park - a feat unmatched for nearly two decades. Then came Game 3, 2024. It was brutal. Tryless for over an hour. Every inch hard-fought. Then, with the series in the balance, Bradman Best crashed through - pure power, pure Origin. Madge’s Blues had done it again. History repeated. A dream decider. Featuring - Bradman Best, Ben Hunt, Phil Gould, Mark Geyer, Andrew Johns, Jonathan ThurstonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lang Park. Suncorp Stadium. Call it what you like - it’s hallowed ground. The kind of place where Queensland legends are made. Where the spirit of Origin greats like Beetson, Jackson, and Tosser Turner lingers in the air. In this episode of Stories of Origin: Magic Moments, we rewind to Game 3, 2022 - a decider for the ages. With just under two minutes on the clock and the series on the line, New South Wales launch one last desperate raid… until Ben Hunt steps in. He’s not flashy. But he’s pure heart. And in that moment - with the GOAT Cam Smith watching on - the Dozer delivers. Queensland erupt. Suncorp explodes. The Maroons reclaim the shield. This is the story of Ben Hunt’s heroic Origin moment - and one of the greatest decider finishes we’ve ever seen. Go Dozer! Featuring Ben Hunt, Billy Slater and Johnathan Thurston.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After five painful years of Maroon dominance, 1985 was the year New South Wales said “enough.” They turned to Canterbury’s fearless halfback Steve “Turvey” Mortimer - a man with blue blood and an unbreakable will - to lead the charge. From stirring pre-game speeches to that unforgettable chair-lift off the SCG, Mortimer’s passion and grit didn’t just win a series - he rewrote Origin history and brought the Blues their first ever series win. Sometimes, you’ve just gotta want it more. Featuring Laurie Daley, Mark Geyer, Andrew Johns, Peter Wynn, David Middleton and Roy Masters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you need to understand Origin in just one moment, it’s the closing minutes of Game One, 1994. The Blues were cruising - 10 points up with 10 to play - until a wave of maroon belief swept the Sydney Football Stadium. Alfie Langer to Kevvy Walters, Michael Carne joins, Renouf streaks down the touchline, Hancock keeps it alive, Darren Smith inside, back to Alfie… BIG MAL sets the stage, and from nowhere Mark Coyne dives for the corner: “Queensland is never beaten!” In this episode of Stories of Origin, relive the chain‑reaction of passes that produced one of rugby league’s greatest tries and forged a mantra that still defines the Maroons. Hear first‑hand reflections on the pressure, the precision, and the pure Queensland spirit behind the Miracle Try - because when it’s Origin, it’s never over.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A series decider at ANZ Stadium. The Blues teetered on the brink, heartbreak hanging over Homebush once more - until one breathtaking chain of passes rewrote Origin folklore. Relive the frantic final minute: Cordner to Murray, Pearce punching through the line, Trbojevic unleashing Ferguson on white-knuckle tippy-toes down the sideline, and - like lightning - James “Teddy” Tedesco diving over to clinch NSW’s first back-to-back crown since 2005. Buckle up for the play that stunned Queensland and carved Teddy’s name into Origin legend. Game 1 of the 2025 State of Origin series is live and exclusive on Nine & 9Now, Wednesday 28 May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 45th year of rugby league’s fiercest rivalry, Stories of Origin is back with its most emotional season yet - Magic Moments: As Voted By You, thanks to TAB. Across six epic episodes, fans chose the plays that made them shout, cry and believe again, and the legends who lived them tell every raw detail. We kick off where Origin itself began: Arthur Beetson’s thunderous return to Lang Park in 1980. A weary warrior summoned home, Beetson strapped on the captain’s armband and, in eighty unforgettable minutes, turned a fledgling concept into the greatest spectacle in Australian sport. Hear rare archival audio, inside-the-sheds reflections, and fresh insight from Wally Lewis, Phil Gould, Roy Masters and more as they relive the night one man’s pride and power put State of Origin on the map. Narrated by Mathew Thompson.  Game 1 of the 2025 State of Origin series is live and exclusive on Nine & 9Now, Wednesday 28 May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 45th year of rugby league’s fiercest rivalry, the Stories of Origin podcast returns with its most emotional series yet - Magic Moments: As Voted By You, thanks to TAB. From the unforgettable to the unbelievable, these are the moments that made you shout, cry, and believe again. Chosen by fans and told by legends, this six-part series takes you inside the most iconic plays in State of Origin history - straight from the mouths of those who lived them. From Arthur Beetson's thunderous first steps onto Lang Park in 1980 to Tedesco’s last-second heroics in 2019… From Coyne’s miracle try to Ben Hunt’s runaway redemption... hear rare and never-before-heard audio, raw behind-the-scenes reflections, and the emotion that makes Origin what it is - passion, pride, and power. Narrated by Mathew Thompson, featuring Wally Lewis, James Tedesco, Brad Fittler, Phil Gould, Ben Hunt, Roy Masters, Billy Slater, and more. Season 4 drops Monday April 28 on 9Now and wherever you get your podcasts. Game 1 of the 2025 State of Origin series - live and exclusive on Nine & 9Now, Wednesday May 28.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the smallest men to have played the game, ‘Alfie’ rose to become a giant figure of the sport. On episode one of Stories of Origin, Alfie, we go back to where it all began. The sports loving, blue collar Queensland city of Ipswich, which has played a significant part in developing champions of the state. And we explore a truly unique relationship. Alfie’s greatest supporter was actually a fellow number seven that was New South Wales to the core. Hosted by Nine’s NRL Commentator Mathew Thompson. Produced by 9Podcasts & Wide World of Sports.  Presented in partnership with Youi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 1 available Monday 29 April 2024. Allan Langer. The diminutive playmaking whiz who bamboozled and befuddled opponents for decades remains Queensland’s most capped halfback and revered as ever. Tough, tenacious and talented beyond all comprehension. This season Stories of Origin shines the spotlight on the career of the little number 7 that became a giant footballing figure. Stories of Origin ‘Alfie’ is available on 9Now and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Nine’s NRL Commentator Mathew Thompson.  Produced by 9Podcasts & Wide World of Sports.  Presented in partnership with Youi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It can take just one play to make someone an Origin hero. In the case of Adam Mogg, his two games for Queensland are as significant as any. In 2006, State of Origin was in its 25th year. New South Wales was coming off its third straight series victory and there was growing concern about the long-term future of State of Origin, as many commentators were beginning to wonder if Queensland would ever win another series. Up step the Toowoomba product, Adam Mogg.  In this episode of Stories of Origin, Adam Mogg and Jonathan Thurston sit down to discuss the 2006 series, the adversity they had to overcome, and the unlikely hero that would help trigger a decade of Queensland dominance.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus and Big Marn share their most memorable Origin moments, hilarious footy stories and a detailed preview of the 2023 State of Origin series. State of Origin is live and exclusive on 9 and 9Now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2014 State of Origin is best remembered for New South Wales' victory which ended Queensland's record run of eight straight series wins.  The opening game in front of a raucous Queensland crowd at Suncorp Stadium was a grueling affair.  The Blues won 12 - 8 in a demanding match, in large part thanks to the memorable performances of the Morris Twins. In this episode of Stories of Origin, Brett and Josh Morris take us through Game 1 of the 2014 drought-breaking series, and the courage, determination and resilience that ended Queensland's dominance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 1998 State of Origin series featured some of the best Rugby League ever witnessed.  After three years of interruptions due to Super League, the best of the best were back to battle it out for interstate supremacy. Player for player, it was perhaps the strongest series ever staged. Champion Darren Lockyer wore the maroon of Queensland and the green and gold of Australia and with the Super League seasons behind him, was regarded as one of the world's best players.   It was his left boot that capped a remarkable Queensland comeback victory in Game One of the 1998 series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2022, Brad Fittler and Billy Slater faced each other for only the second time in their Origin careers.The first time in 2004 it was under a very different set of circumstances. Slater was at the beginning of his State of Origin journey whilst Freddy was at his twilight.The 2004 State of Origin series provided us with some of the most memorable moments of all time.In this episode of Stories of Origin, Brad Fittler and Billy Slater take us through the highs and lows of Origin 2004 and share their fondest memories in what would be one of the most iconic series to date. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Stories of Origin Series II focusing on some memorable State of Origin performances. The brilliant player of the match efforts, the toughest displays, the scintillating tries. There could be no better way to launch this season than with Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin and Peter Sterling. In 1987, the Blues halfback Peter Sterling was named Player of the Match, twice. Yet the Maroons featuring Vautin in the back row clinched the series after three epic encounters before Origin hit the road for the United States for the first and only time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year we launched Stories of Origin the podcast by telling some of the greatest Origin stories with the icons of Australia's greatest sporting rivalry. In Season 2 we're focusing on some memorable State of Origin performances. The brilliant player of the match efforts, the toughest displays, this scintillating tries.  Stories of Origin - Season 2 - available now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billy Slater is one of the greatest ever Queensland players, but does that ensure his success as a coach? The legendary fullback steps into the coaches box for the first time in his career on Wednesday night.  In this exclusive extended interview, Slater outlines his hopes for the series and why he wanted to take on the biggest challenge in his sporting career. Hosted by Mathew Thompson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Stories of Origin, we go inside NSW camp for an exclusive interview with Blues coach Brad Fittler. Hosted by Mathew Thompson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1995 was the height of the Super League war. As a tactic to fight back against News Limited, the ARL ‘overlooked’ players who’d committed to the breakaway competition from representative selection. And so it was, Queensland entered camp with an unrecognisable squad and a rookie coach, Paul Vautin. They couldn’t beat a New South Wales team still bursting with international talent. Could they? In this episode of Stories of Origin we examine how Paul Vautin’s team of no-name Maroons did the impossible. Hosted by Mathew Thompson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here’s the scenario. It’s an origin decider in front of a full house. 12-all - 90 seconds to play. Your state needs a matchwinner! Who stands up? The very best footballers rise in the clutch. On this episode of The Stories of Origin, we talk to the greatest talisman Origin has produced, Jonathan Thurston. He relives his greatest match-winning plays and outlines the extent of his sheer hard work and will to win. Hosted by Mathew Thompson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first 12 years of modern Origin, QLD won 9 series. NSW needed a circuit breaker. In 1992, they called on a man who, in his first four years as a first-grade coach, had been to three grand finals - for two wins, the first of those in his debut season. Could Phil Gould replicate his club success on rugby league’s greatest stage? On this episode of Stories of Origin, the godfather of NSW rugby league, Phil Gould. Hosted by Mathew Thompson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Between 2006 and 2013, Queensland enjoyed the greatest winning stretch Origin has ever seen. They won 11 of 12 series - including eight in a row from 2006. But it was a dynasty that almost didn’t happen. And had it gone the other way, some of the states greatest players may have suffered a premature end to their time in Maroon. This is the story of The Dynasty featuring Darren Lockyer, Greg Inglis, Cameron Smith and Paul Gallen. Hosted by Mathew Thompson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Johns and Cameron Smith are the two best players of their generation. On this episode of Stories of Origin, they sit down together to discuss their remarkable state careers.  Smith played a record 42 origin games for QLD. He was the key player in the Maroons remarkable dynasty. Johns is regarded as the Blues greatest ever player. He is rugby league’s 8th immortal.  Hosted by Mathew Thompson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Stories of Origin, a podcast series that explores the rich history of NSW V QLD in the words of the warriors themselves. We start our series at the beginning of the modern origin format. The birth of Origin.  In 1980, The Queenslander’s were sick of New South Wales stealing their players so they got them back for a one-off game in 1980. 42 years later, it’s never been bigger! You’ll hear from The King - Wally Lewis, Paul Vautin and passionate Queenslander Chris Close. They talk about the passion instilled in the Maroons jersey and the growth of the interstate battle to the juggernaut it is today. Hosted by Mathew Thompson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1980, State of Origin rugby league has been a treasure trove of remarkable stories. They involve mateship, resilience, winning against the odds. Pain, refusal to quit. Underdogs triumphing in the face of doubt. The most romantic elements of sport. Stories of Origin features Origin greats Brad Fittler, Billy Slater, Paul Vautin, Wally Lewis, Phil Gould, Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Jonathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer, Paul Gallen, Greg Inglis, Ricky Stuart, Ben Ikin, Chris Close and many more. The podcast series taps into their experiences and unwraps new angles on their Origin careers. You’ll hear some classic yarns from on the field and inside the dressing sheds. It is compulsory listening for any sports fan. The first episode is available Friday 13 May 2022. A Wide World of Sports and 9Podcasts production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.