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.

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.

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 Allan Langer, Brad Fittler, Billy Slater, Paul Vautin, Wally Lewis, Phil Gould, Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Jonathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer, Paul Gallen, 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.

A Wide World of Sports and 9Podcasts production.

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 Allan Langer, Brad Fittler, Billy Slater, Paul Vautin, Wally Lewis, Phil Gould, Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Jonathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer, Paul Gallen, 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&rsquo;ll hear some classic yarns from on the field and inside the dressing sheds. It is compulsory listening for any sports fan.
A Wide World of Sports and 9Podcasts production.

Since 1980 State of Origin rugby league has been a treasure trove of remarkable stories. Stories of Origin features the Origin greats and taps into their experiences.

Stories of Origin

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.

State of Origin is live and exclusive on Nine & 9Now.

In the 45th year of rugby league&rsquo;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&rsquo;s last-second heroics in 2019&hellip; From Coyne&rsquo;s miracle try to Ben Hunt&rsquo;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.
State of Origin is live and exclusive on Nine &amp; 9Now.

Brad Fittler's Favourite Origin | The Fairytale Farewell of 2004

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 TAB

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 TAB

Cameron Smith's Favourite Origin: Against All Odds

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.

Danny Buderus relives his favourite State of Origin memory, Game 3, 2005.
From the heartbreak of Matt Bowen&rsquo;s intercept in Game 1 golden point, to the return of Andrew Johns and captaining NSW to a famous 32-10 win at Suncorp.&nbsp;
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.

Danny Buderus’ Famous Decider

Intro and Billy’s favourite Origin memory

The “Billy the Kid” breakout game

Big moments that changed the match

Behind-the-scenes stories from Origin camp

Looking back and final thoughts

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.

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&rsquo;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.

Brad Fittler's Favourite Origin | The Fairytale Farewell of 2004

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