2001 Rugby League State of Origin series
Encyclopedia
The 2001 State of Origin
series was the 20th year that the annual best-of-three series of interstate rugby league football matches contested between the Queensland
and New South Wales
representative teams was played under 'State of Origin' selection rules. The series was notable for marking the first time an England-based player was selected for State of Origin: Maroons legend Allan Langer
was asked to make his comeback for the third and deciding match of the series and did so, helping Queensland re-claim the shield in Brisbane.
In game I Queensland blooded no less than ten new players and Wayne Bennett gambled on the likes of Brisbane Broncos
forward Carl Webb
and North Queensland Cowboys
John Buttigieg
and John Doyle who were relative unknowns. But they each announced their representative arrival in dramatic style with a try each in the first game, won 34-16 by the Maroons in the last match played at the "old" Suncorp Stadium
. The most spectacular was Webb's two minutes before half-time when he brushed off three defenders before powering his way across the line.
who was out with a neck injury.
Played before 70,000 at Telstra Stadium, Blues skipper Brad Fittler
scored two tries in what was to be his last match for NSW on home soil and inspired his side to a 26-8 victory. Man of the match was Trent Barrett
playing halfback for the first time due to injuries to Brett Kimmorley
and Andrew Johns
. Debutante Mark O'Meley
was particularly impressive, setting up Fittler's first try after 53 minutes with a smashing run that sent defenders skittling.
's pending retirement from representative football after 29 Origin appearances. But with the series tied at one game apiece Queensland needed some special emotion of their own to avoid a loss. Without inspirational captain Tallis and an established halves pairing, coach Bennett undertook furtive negotiations with Maroon's veteran Allan Langer
, then in his second English season and captain of the Warrington Wolves
, and the rumours were only confirmed after Langer had boarded a plane (under a false name) for the flight home, bound for his 31st career Origin appearance. At almost 35 years of age, Langer was named in his famous No.7 jersey for the first time since leaving the NRL midway through the 1999 season.
Despite NSW centre Ryan Girdler
scoring the fastest try in Origin history after 39 seconds, Queensland took a 28-8 lead into the break with Langer heavily involved in three of the Maroons' first half tries. Alongside Darren Lockyer
who created his own form of havoc, Langer tore New South Wales to shreds and capped his comeback in the 54th minute when he scored a trademark solo try from close range to sentence the Blues to a series-deciding loss and Fittler to his own bittersweet representative farewell.
Sydney's The Daily Telegraph
reacted to the New South Wales team's Origin loss with this headline on the front of its paper on July 2, 2001: "BLOODY ALF".
Rugby League State of Origin
State of Origin is an annual best of three series of rugby league football matches contested by the Maroons and the Blues, who represent the Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales respectively...
series was the 20th year that the annual best-of-three series of interstate rugby league football matches contested between the Queensland
Queensland rugby league team
The Queensland rugby league team have represented the Australian state of Queensland in rugby league football since the sport's beginnings there in 1908...
and New South Wales
New South Wales rugby league team
The New South Wales rugby league team has represented the Australian state of New South Wales in rugby league football since the sport's beginnings there in 1907. Administered by the New South Wales Rugby League, the team competes in the annual State of Origin series against arch-rivals, the...
representative teams was played under 'State of Origin' selection rules. The series was notable for marking the first time an England-based player was selected for State of Origin: Maroons legend Allan Langer
Allan Langer
Allan "Alfie" Langer AM is an Australian former multi-award-winning rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s who works as an assistant coach for the Australian national team and Brisbane Broncos...
was asked to make his comeback for the third and deciding match of the series and did so, helping Queensland re-claim the shield in Brisbane.
Game I
Queensland stalwart coach Wayne Bennett made it a personal mission to regain the great loss of credibility suffered from the 2000 series whitewash and 40 point last game defeat and decided he wanted his old Maroon coaching job back after a two year sojourn.In game I Queensland blooded no less than ten new players and Wayne Bennett gambled on the likes of Brisbane Broncos
Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the city of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. Founded in 1988, the Broncos play in Australasia's elite competition, the National Rugby League premiership. They have won six premierships and two...
forward Carl Webb
Carl Webb
Carl Webb , is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer for the Parramatta Eels of the National Rugby League. An Australian international and Queensland State of Origin representative forward, he previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys...
and North Queensland Cowboys
North Queensland Cowboys
The North Queensland Cowboys are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in Townsville, Queensland. They compete in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership...
John Buttigieg
John Buttigieg (rugby league)
John Buttigieg is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A Queensland State of Origin representative prop forward, his club career was spent with the North Queensland Cowboys.-Biography:...
and John Doyle who were relative unknowns. But they each announced their representative arrival in dramatic style with a try each in the first game, won 34-16 by the Maroons in the last match played at the "old" Suncorp Stadium
Suncorp Stadium
Lang Park is the original name of the site located in the Brisbane suburb of Milton, Queensland, Australia, now occupied by the major sports facility known by its sponsorship name, Suncorp Stadium...
. The most spectacular was Webb's two minutes before half-time when he brushed off three defenders before powering his way across the line.
Game II
Queensland went into game 2 without captain Gorden TallisGorden Tallis
Gorden James Tallis is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played from 1992 to 2004. He captained Australia and Queensland as well as the Brisbane Broncos club, with whom he won three premierships and one Clive Churchill Medal...
who was out with a neck injury.
Played before 70,000 at Telstra Stadium, Blues skipper Brad Fittler
Brad Fittler
Bradley Scott "Freddie" Fittler AM is an Australian professional rugby league football coach and former player. The current coach of NSW City team in the City vs. Country clash, he coached in the NRL for the Sydney Roosters between 2007 and 2009. As a player, Fittler captained both New South Wales...
scored two tries in what was to be his last match for NSW on home soil and inspired his side to a 26-8 victory. Man of the match was Trent Barrett
Trent Barrett
Trent Barrett is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s...
playing halfback for the first time due to injuries to Brett Kimmorley
Brett Kimmorley
Brett "Noddy" Kimmorley was an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs of the NRL. He has previously played for five other clubs and has also represented his country and state on several occasions...
and Andrew Johns
Andrew Johns
Andrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years...
. Debutante Mark O'Meley
Mark O'Meley
Mark O'Meley is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the European Super League team, Hull, and previously of the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League competition. He also previously played for the North Sydney Bears, the ill fated Northern Eagles and the Bulldogs...
was particularly impressive, setting up Fittler's first try after 53 minutes with a smashing run that sent defenders skittling.
Game III
The lead up to Game III was dominated by emotion regarding Brad FittlerBrad Fittler
Bradley Scott "Freddie" Fittler AM is an Australian professional rugby league football coach and former player. The current coach of NSW City team in the City vs. Country clash, he coached in the NRL for the Sydney Roosters between 2007 and 2009. As a player, Fittler captained both New South Wales...
's pending retirement from representative football after 29 Origin appearances. But with the series tied at one game apiece Queensland needed some special emotion of their own to avoid a loss. Without inspirational captain Tallis and an established halves pairing, coach Bennett undertook furtive negotiations with Maroon's veteran Allan Langer
Allan Langer
Allan "Alfie" Langer AM is an Australian former multi-award-winning rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s who works as an assistant coach for the Australian national team and Brisbane Broncos...
, then in his second English season and captain of the Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves are a professional rugby league football club based in Warrington, England that competes in Super League. They play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, having moved there from Wilderspool in 2003....
, and the rumours were only confirmed after Langer had boarded a plane (under a false name) for the flight home, bound for his 31st career Origin appearance. At almost 35 years of age, Langer was named in his famous No.7 jersey for the first time since leaving the NRL midway through the 1999 season.
Despite NSW centre Ryan Girdler
Ryan Girdler
Ryan Girdler is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He played centre and was a successful goal-kicker. Thanks to his on-field skills and good looks he became a popular figure in rugby league.-Rugby league career:Girdler first played in the NSWRL for the Illawarra...
scoring the fastest try in Origin history after 39 seconds, Queensland took a 28-8 lead into the break with Langer heavily involved in three of the Maroons' first half tries. Alongside Darren Lockyer
Darren Lockyer
Darren Lockyer is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer. He was the captain of the Australian national team, the Queensland State of Origin team and his National Rugby League club, the Brisbane Broncos. His professional career spanned between 1995 and 2011...
who created his own form of havoc, Langer tore New South Wales to shreds and capped his comeback in the 54th minute when he scored a trademark solo try from close range to sentence the Blues to a series-deciding loss and Fittler to his own bittersweet representative farewell.
Sydney's The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph (Australia)
The Daily Telegraph is an Australian tabloid newspaper published in Sydney, New South Wales, by Nationwide News, part of News Corporation.The Tele, as it is also known, was founded in 1879. From 1936 to 1972, it was owned by Frank Packer's Australian Consolidated Press. That year it was sold to...
reacted to the New South Wales team's Origin loss with this headline on the front of its paper on July 2, 2001: "BLOODY ALF".
New South Wales squad
| Position | Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fullback |  Mark HughesMark Hughes (rugby league) Mark Hughes is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He played club football for the Newcastle Knights in the Australian National Rugby League and later for the Catalans Dragons in the European Super League... |
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| Wing |  Jamie AinscoughJamie Ainscough Jamie Ainscough , is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He played for the Western Suburbs Magpies, Newcastle Knights, St George Illawarra Dragons, New South Wales and for the Australian national rugby league team.-Club career:Before 1989 Ainscough... |
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| Centre |  Michael De VereMichael De Vere Michael De Vere is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He represented Australia in four tests and New South Wales in five State of Origin matches... |
 Ryan GirdlerRyan Girdler Ryan Girdler is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He played centre and was a successful goal-kicker. Thanks to his on-field skills and good looks he became a popular figure in rugby league.-Rugby league career:Girdler first played in the NSWRL for the Illawarra... |
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| Centre | Matt Gidley |
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| Wing | Adam MacDougall Adam MacDougall Adam "Mad Dog" MacDougall is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative centre, he has spent the majority of his career at the Newcastle Knights, with whom he won the 1997 and 2001... |
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| Five-Eighth |  Brad FittlerBrad Fittler Bradley Scott "Freddie" Fittler AM is an Australian professional rugby league football coach and former player. The current coach of NSW City team in the City vs. Country clash, he coached in the NRL for the Sydney Roosters between 2007 and 2009. As a player, Fittler captained both New South Wales... (c) |
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| Halfback |  Brett KimmorleyBrett Kimmorley Brett "Noddy" Kimmorley was an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs of the NRL. He has previously played for five other clubs and has also represented his country and state on several occasions... |
Trent Barrett Trent Barrett Trent Barrett is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s... |
Brett Kimmorley Brett Kimmorley Brett "Noddy" Kimmorley was an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs of the NRL. He has previously played for five other clubs and has also represented his country and state on several occasions... |
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| Prop |  Jason StevensJason Stevens Jason Anthony Stevens is a former professional rugby league footballer who represented his country and state. He primarily played at prop... |
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| Hooker | Luke Priddis Luke Priddis Luke Priddis is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s... |
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| Prop |  Robbie KearnsRobbie Kearns Robbie Kearns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer in the National Rugby League competition whose senior career began with the Cronulla Sharks. He represented New South Wales in State of Origin and Australia in international matches. His position of choice was at Prop Forward... |
Mark O'Meley Mark O'Meley Mark O'Meley is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the European Super League team, Hull, and previously of the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League competition. He also previously played for the North Sydney Bears, the ill fated Northern Eagles and the Bulldogs... |
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| Second Row | Bryan Fletcher Bryan Fletcher Bryan Fletcher is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative second-row-forward, he played his club football in Australia with the Sydney Roosters then the South Sydney Rabbitohs... |
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| Second Row |  Nathan HindmarshNathan Hindmarsh Nathan William Hindmarsh is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who captains the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League and the Australian Prime Minister's XIII... |
Adam Muir Adam Muir Adam Muir is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative forward, he played his club football with the Newcastle Knights , North Sydney Bears, Northern Eagles, and the South Sydney... |
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| Lock |  Jason CrokerJason Croker Jason Croker is a former Australian professional rugby league footballer. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative utility player, he previously played club football in the NRL for the Canberra Raiders, with whom he won the 1994 Winfield Cup and set club... |
Luke Ricketson Luke Ricketson Luke Ricketson is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. An Australian and Ireland international, and New South Wales State of Origin representative back-rower, he played his entire club football career for the Sydney Roosters of the NRL... |
Andrew Ryan |
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| Interchange | Trent Barrett Trent Barrett Trent Barrett is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s... |
Craig Gower Craig Gower Craig Gower is an Australian-Italian professional rugby footballer. He is a dual-code rugby international, having played rugby league for Australia, and rugby union for Italy... |
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| Interchange | Michael Vella Michael Vella Michael Vella is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently captains English Super League club Hull Kingston Rovers. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative forward, he previously played in the NRL for the Parramatta Eels club... |
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| Interchange | Ben Kennedy Ben Kennedy Ben Kennedy , is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s... |
Matt Adamson Matt Adamson Matt Adamson is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative second-row forward, he played club football in Australia with the Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers, and Canberra Raiders,... |
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| Interchange | Rodney Howe Rodney Howe Rodney Howe , is an Australian former rugby league footballer. He played in the forwards for the Newcastle Knights, Western Reds, Melbourne Storm, New South Wales and for the Australian national side.... |
Andrew Ryan |
Steve Menzies |
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| Coach | Wayne Pearce Wayne Pearce Wayne John Pearce OAM is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. An athletic Lock Forward for the Balmain Tigers, he was affectionately known as 'Junior'... |
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Queensland squad
| Position | Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fullback | Darren Lockyer Darren Lockyer Darren Lockyer is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer. He was the captain of the Australian national team, the Queensland State of Origin team and his National Rugby League club, the Brisbane Broncos. His professional career spanned between 1995 and 2011... |
Darren Lockyer Darren Lockyer Darren Lockyer is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer. He was the captain of the Australian national team, the Queensland State of Origin team and his National Rugby League club, the Brisbane Broncos. His professional career spanned between 1995 and 2011... (c) |
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| Wing | Lote Tuqiri |
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| Centre | Darren Smith | Chris Walker |
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| Centre |  Paul Bowman |
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| Wing | Wendell Sailor Wendell Sailor Wendell Jermaine Sailor is an Australian former professional rugby football player who represented his country in both rugby league and rugby union – a dual code international. He is an Australian Torres Strait Islander.Sailor's large frame and bullocking style changed the way wingers played rugby... |
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| Five-Eighth | Daniel Wagon Daniel Wagon Daniel Wagon is an Australian professional rugby league player and coach, who currently coaches Limoux Grizzlies in the Elite One Championship and plays for the Aston DSC Bulls in the AMNRL... |
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| Halfback | Paul Green |
Allan Langer Allan Langer Allan "Alfie" Langer AM is an Australian former multi-award-winning rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s who works as an assistant coach for the Australian national team and Brisbane Broncos... |
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| Prop | Shane Webcke Shane Webcke Shane Webcke is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer, who spent his entire top-grade career playing for the Brisbane Broncos. His position of choice was at prop forward and at his peak he was renowned as the best front rower in the world... |
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| Hooker |  Kevin CampionKevin Campion Kevin Campion is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. His positions of choice were in the second row and at lock. Kevin is the younger brother of Australian radio personality Paul Campion... |
Paul Green |
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| Prop | John Buttigieg John Buttigieg (rugby league) John Buttigieg is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A Queensland State of Origin representative prop forward, his club career was spent with the North Queensland Cowboys.-Biography:... |
Russell Bawden Russell Bawden Russell Bawden is an Australian former rugby league footballer for the Brisbane Broncos, Melbourne Storm, London Broncos and for the Queensland State of Origin Team.... |
John Buttigieg John Buttigieg (rugby league) John Buttigieg is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A Queensland State of Origin representative prop forward, his club career was spent with the North Queensland Cowboys.-Biography:... |
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| Second Row | Gorden Tallis Gorden Tallis Gorden James Tallis is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played from 1992 to 2004. He captained Australia and Queensland as well as the Brisbane Broncos club, with whom he won three premierships and one Clive Churchill Medal... (c) |
Dane Carlaw Dane Carlaw Dane Carlaw is an Australian professional rugby league footballer. He currently plays for the Brisbane Broncos in Australia's National Rugby League after spending three years in the European Super League competition playing for French side Catalans Dragons.-Early years:While attending Padua... |
Brad Meyers Brad Meyers Bradley Meyers is an Australian professional rugby league footballer with the Gold Coast Titans of the National Rugby League... |
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| Second Row | Petero Civoniceva Petero Civoniceva Petero Civoniceva is an Australian professional rugby league footballer currently contracted to the Brisbane Broncos of the National Rugby League... |
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| Lock | Brad Meyers Brad Meyers Bradley Meyers is an Australian professional rugby league footballer with the Gold Coast Titans of the National Rugby League... |
 Darren Smith |
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| Interchange | Chris Walker |
Kevin Campion Kevin Campion Kevin Campion is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. His positions of choice were in the second row and at lock. Kevin is the younger brother of Australian radio personality Paul Campion... |
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| Interchange | Chris Beattie |
Carl Webb Carl Webb Carl Webb , is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer for the Parramatta Eels of the National Rugby League. An Australian international and Queensland State of Origin representative forward, he previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys... |
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| Interchange | Carl Webb Carl Webb Carl Webb , is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer for the Parramatta Eels of the National Rugby League. An Australian international and Queensland State of Origin representative forward, he previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys... |
Dane Carlaw Dane Carlaw Dane Carlaw is an Australian professional rugby league footballer. He currently plays for the Brisbane Broncos in Australia's National Rugby League after spending three years in the European Super League competition playing for French side Catalans Dragons.-Early years:While attending Padua... |
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| Interchange | John Doyle |
Nathan Fien |
John Doyle |
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| Coach | Wayne Bennett |
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Sources
- Big League's 25 Years of Origin Collectors' Edition, News Magazines, Surry Hills, Sydney