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.

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 &lsquo;Fatty&rsquo; 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&rsquo;s Neville nobodies delivered a clean sweep and redefined what it means to wear Maroon.

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.

 Fatty’s Miracle: 30 Years Since Queensland’s Greatest Origin Upset

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 Thompson
Executive Producer: Matty White

Thanks to TAB for supporting Stories of Origin Season 5.

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&rsquo;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 Thompson Executive Producer: Matty White
Thanks to TAB for supporting Stories of Origin Season 5.

The Unstoppable Greg Inglis – Game 2, 2008

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.

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

Fatty’s Miracle: 30 Years Since Queensland’s Greatest Origin Upset

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