So, here we go again. Another State of Origin decider is upon us and it’s hard to tell who is more excited – footy fans or Nine Network executives. In a world of streaming services and watch on demand, an Origin decider is one of the few TV events that can still put millions of bums on lounge-room seats at the same time and Wednesday night’s climax to the 2022 series will be no exception.
From the moment rugby league’s interstate war went to a best-of-three contest in 1982, we have witnessed 21 deciders, with Queensland emerging triumphant on 14 occasions but getting to lift the shield 16 times courtesy of two draws and a fantastic rule which stipulated the reigning champions retain the title. That’s right, readers – I am a Queenslander, tasked with ranking State of Origin’s five most memorable deciders, but can assure our New South Wales supporters I will be unbiased in my summation – just like the late, great Queensland referee Barry Gomersall (insert wink emoji here). Game on!
