GAME THREE, 2006: LOCKYER TRY SEALS THE SERIES
2006. Telstra Dome. Darren Lockyer.
*With NSW winning the series for the first time in nine years, now is the perfect time to look back on Queensland's record breaking run of eight straight series wins and to celebrate the monumental achievements along the way. *
THE famous “never say die” Queensland spirit helps create the start of Origin’s greatest dynasty, as Maroons skipper Darren Lockyer intercepts a NSW pass and leads his side to a series-winning victory in Melbourne.
NSW - having won the past three Origin series - are only minutes away from a fourth consecutive triumph when a Brett Hodgson pass suddenly goes astray.
Amidst a sea of desperate, scrambling bodies; Lockyer’s determination sees him snatch the ball - and the series - away from the heartbroken Blues.
This 2006 victory serves as the turning point in Origin history, as Queensland would go on to win eight straight series, all the while showcasing that against-all-odds Queenslander spirit.
2006 Game 3, Telstra Dome, July 5
Queensland: Clinton Schifcofske; Rhys Wesser, Brent Tate, Josh Hannay, Adam Mogg; Darren Lockyer (c), Johnathan Thurston; Steve Price, Cameron Smith, Petero Civoniceva, Nate Myles, Carl Webb, Dallas Johnson Interchange: Shaun Berrigan, Chris Flannery, Sam Thaiday, Tonie Carroll
Coach: Mal Meninga
NSW: Brett Hodgson; Timana Tahu, Matt King, Matt Cooper, Eric Grothe; Mark Gasnier, Craig Gower; Luke Bailey, Danny Buderus (c), Willie Mason, Paul Gallen, Nathan Hindmarsh, Luke O’Donnell
Interchange: Steve Simpson, Mark O’Meley, Steve Menzies, Ben Hornby
Coach: Graham Murray
Queensland 16 (Mogg, Tate, Lockyer tries; C.Schifcofske 2 goals) def New South Wales 14 (Grothe 2, King tries; Hodgson goal)
Crowd: 54,833
Referee: Stephen Clark
Man of the match: Brent Tate
*This is our latest entry in our line of features highlighting the 100 Greatest Moments in Origin. You can watch more video highlights under 100 Origin Moments under our Origin tab.
