2003 Rugby League State of Origin series
Encyclopedia
The 2003 State of Origin
series was the 22nd 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. Queensland's return to a renovated Lang Park was soured when the player many league aficionados consider the best ever to lace on a pair of boots - Andrew Johns
- returned to form for New South Wales in devastating fashion.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
appeared in television promotions for the 2003 series.
Blues coach Phil Gould
sparked controversy before the series had even started when he slammed the form of his champion half-back Johns in his Sun-Herald column. Gould claimed that Johns had lost his "self-confidence" in an attack that caused outrage from all corners, including Johns himself, who had words with Gould at a pre-Origin briefing. But in the end it was psychology that worked, 2003 was Johns' best ever series performance.
formerly known as Lang Park. The ground was quickly nicknamed the "Sand Pit" as its sandy surface was constantly shifting under the feet of players. Both Maroons centres Justin Hodges
and Paul Bowman, were taken from the field with serious knee injuries which were later blamed on the shifting surface.
The Blues pack led by interchange prop Luke Bailey, hammered their Maroons counterparts and gave Johns plenty of room to weave his magic. Johns contributed 13 points to the tally while Anthony Minichiello
scored a try double.
The series was virtually decided by half-time of game II after the Blues raced to a 17-0 lead. Johns was again the catalyst starting the scoring with a brilliant banana kick that rebounded off the cross bar, went through the hands of Michael De Vere
and fell to the ground before Ben Kennedy
pounced.
There was no greater example of the brilliant halfback's influence than the last minute before the break. Johns kicked for touch from a 20-metre restart, then after winning the ensuing scrum, hoisted a bomb high into the air which was contested before being batted back into his hands. Without a second thought and while on the run, he potted a 25-metre field goal with ease.
The final score was 27-4 to the Blues who remained unbeaten from seven matches on their home turf of Telstra Stadium
.
was superb, scoring three tries in a man-of-the match performance.
Queensland started with a new found zest and led 16-0 after just 17 minutes before strangling the Blues out of the contest. Johns was forced to accept the shield in front of an almost empty stadium after Queensland had completed a lap of honour. It was an anti-climactic end to what had been the gifted number seven's best ever series. Queensland's dead-rubber win equalled their biggest ever State of Origin victory, which was first equalled in 1989, and again in 2008.
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 22nd 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. Queensland's return to a renovated Lang Park was soured when the player many league aficionados consider the best ever to lace on a pair of boots - 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...
- returned to form for New South Wales in devastating fashion.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American former professional bodybuilder, actor, businessman, investor, and politician. Schwarzenegger served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011....
appeared in television promotions for the 2003 series.
Blues coach Phil Gould
Phil Gould
Phil Gould is an Australian rugby league broadcaster, journalist, administrator and former player and coach. Since the 1990s he has had a prominent role in Channel 9's coverage of rugby league, as a commentator on their match-day coverage, and appears on The Sunday Footy Show and The Sunday Roast...
sparked controversy before the series had even started when he slammed the form of his champion half-back Johns in his Sun-Herald column. Gould claimed that Johns had lost his "self-confidence" in an attack that caused outrage from all corners, including Johns himself, who had words with Gould at a pre-Origin briefing. But in the end it was psychology that worked, 2003 was Johns' best ever series performance.
Game I
In Game I, Andrew Johns spoiled what was supposed to be a party time for the Queenslanders, who returned to their spiritual home of Suncorp StadiumSuncorp 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...
formerly known as Lang Park. The ground was quickly nicknamed the "Sand Pit" as its sandy surface was constantly shifting under the feet of players. Both Maroons centres Justin Hodges
Justin Hodges
Justin Hodges is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Brisbane Broncos of the National Rugby League...
and Paul Bowman, were taken from the field with serious knee injuries which were later blamed on the shifting surface.
The Blues pack led by interchange prop Luke Bailey, hammered their Maroons counterparts and gave Johns plenty of room to weave his magic. Johns contributed 13 points to the tally while Anthony Minichiello
Anthony Minichiello
Anthony Minichiello is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who, to date, has played his entire career for the Sydney Roosters of the National Rugby League. He plays at fullback and on the Wing. Minichiello has represented New South Wales and Australia...
scored a try double.
Game II
Michael 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...
and fell to the ground before Ben Kennedy
Ben Kennedy
Ben Kennedy , is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s...
pounced.
There was no greater example of the brilliant halfback's influence than the last minute before the break. Johns kicked for touch from a 20-metre restart, then after winning the ensuing scrum, hoisted a bomb high into the air which was contested before being batted back into his hands. Without a second thought and while on the run, he potted a 25-metre field goal with ease.
The final score was 27-4 to the Blues who remained unbeaten from seven matches on their home turf of Telstra Stadium
Telstra Stadium
Stadium Australia, currently also known as ANZ Stadium due to naming rights, formerly known as Telstra Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium located in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct of Homebush Bay...
.
Game III
Game III, otherwise known as the "dead rubber", restored some much needed pride for the Maroons who dominated the Blues in every facet of the game. Winger Matt SingMatt Sing
Matthew Charles Sing is an Australian semi-retired professional rugby league footballer for the Central Comets in the Queensland Cup. His first grade career spanned much of the 1990s and 2000s...
was superb, scoring three tries in a man-of-the match performance.
Queensland started with a new found zest and led 16-0 after just 17 minutes before strangling the Blues out of the contest. Johns was forced to accept the shield in front of an almost empty stadium after Queensland had completed a lap of honour. It was an anti-climactic end to what had been the gifted number seven's best ever series. Queensland's dead-rubber win equalled their biggest ever State of Origin victory, which was first equalled in 1989, and again in 2008.
New South Wales
| Position | Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fullback |  Anthony Minichello |
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| Wing |  Timana TahuTimana Tahu Timana James Aporo Tahu is an Australian professional rugby league footballer and former rugby union player, a dual-code international, currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. He formerly played for the New South Wales Waratahs in the Super 14 competition... |
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| Centre | Matt Gidley |
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| Centre |  Jamie LyonJamie Lyon Jamie Lyon is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently captains for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles of the National Rugby League... |
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| Wing |  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... |
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| Five-Eighth |  Shaun TimminsShaun Timmins Shaun Timmins is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s... |
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| Halfback | 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... (c) |
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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... |
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| Hooker | Danny Buderus Danny Buderus Danny Buderus is an Australian professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL... |
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| Prop | Jason Ryles Jason Ryles Jason Ryles is an Australian rugby league player. He has played in the National Rugby League for the Sydney Roosters and the St. George Illawarra Dragons and in Europe's Super League for the Catalans Dragons. He is contracted to play for the Melbourne Storm from 2012... |
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| Second Row | Craig Fitzgibbon Craig Fitzgibbon Craig "Fitzy" Fitzgibbon is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for Hull in the European Super League and previously the Sydney Roosters of the NRL. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative forward, he is the son of former rugby league player and... |
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 | Ben Kennedy Ben Kennedy Ben Kennedy , is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s... |
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... |
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| Lock | 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... |
 Braith AnastaBraith Anasta Braith Anasta is a Greek-Australian professional rugby league footballer who captains the Sydney Roosters of the National Rugby League... |
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| Interchange | Luke Bailey |
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| Interchange |  Phil BaileyPhil Bailey Phil Bailey is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Wigan Warriors of the European Super League competition. Bailey is a former player for New South Wales and Australia. He previously played for the Cronulla Sharks, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and the Northern Eagles... |
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| Interchange | Craig Wing Craig Wing Craig Wing is an Australian rugby union player. He currently plays rugby union in Japan. A former rugby league player for New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international utility player, Wing played for South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters.-South Sydney Rabbitohs:Craig Wing was a... |
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| Interchange | Josh Perry Josh Perry Josh Perry is an Australian professional rugby league player for St Helens RLFC in the Super League competition... |
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... |
Willie Mason Willie Mason William Marshall "Willie" Mason is an Australian professional rugby union footballer for Toulon in the Top 14 competition, having previously being a rugby league footballer for Hull KR in the European Super League.Mason signed a 3-year contract with Hull KR in September 2010, pending a successful... |
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| Coach |  Phil GouldPhil Gould Phil Gould is an Australian rugby league broadcaster, journalist, administrator and former player and coach. Since the 1990s he has had a prominent role in Channel 9's coverage of rugby league, as a commentator on their match-day coverage, and appears on The Sunday Footy Show and The Sunday Roast... |
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Queensland
| 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... |
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| Wing | Shannon Hegarty Shannon Hegarty Shannon Hegarty is an Australian rugby league footballer for the Jacksonville Axemen of the USA Rugby League... |
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| Centre | Brent Tate Brent Tate Brent Tate is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League... |
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| Centre | Justin Hodges Justin Hodges Justin Hodges is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Brisbane Broncos of the National Rugby League... |
Tonie Carroll Tonie Carroll Tonie Carroll is retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. An Australian and New Zealand international representative utility, he played for the Brisbane Broncos of the NRL... |
 Josh HannayJosh Hannay Josh Hannay is an Australian professional rugby league footballer. He is a former Queensland state representative and the current record holder with the greatest points scored in the history of the North Queensland Cowboys club.-Club career:Hannay was named to make his debut at the age of 16... |
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| Wing | Matt Sing Matt Sing Matthew Charles Sing is an Australian semi-retired professional rugby league footballer for the Central Comets in the Queensland Cup. His first grade career spanned much of the 1990s and 2000s... |
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| Five-Eighth | Ben Ikin Ben Ikin Benjamin Ikin is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer and former commentator for the Nine Network now employed by One HD... |
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| Halfback | Shaun Berrigan Shaun Berrigan Shaun Berrigan is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Canberra Raiders of the NRL. Brother of fellow professional, Barry, Shaun has also played for the Brisbane Broncos, Hull and the New Zealand Warriors... |
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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 |  PJ MarshPJ Marsh Peter-John "PJ" Marsh is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played for a number of clubs in the National Rugby League. He has also played representative rugby league for Queensland in State of Origin. He is named after his uncle, Peter John Marsh, who was killed in a car... |
Michael Crocker Michael Crocker Michael Crocker is an Australian professional rugby league footballer with the South Sydney Rabbitohs of the NRL... |
Cameron Smith Cameron Smith Cameron Smith is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently captains the Melbourne Storm of the National Rugby League... |
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| Prop | Petero Civoniceva Petero Civoniceva Petero Civoniceva is an Australian professional rugby league footballer currently contracted to the Brisbane Broncos of the National Rugby League... |
Steve Price |
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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| 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) |
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| Second Row | 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... |
Petero Civoniceva Petero Civoniceva Petero Civoniceva is an Australian professional rugby league footballer currently contracted to the Brisbane Broncos of the National Rugby League... |
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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| Lock | Tonie Carroll Tonie Carroll Tonie Carroll is retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. An Australian and New Zealand international representative utility, he played for the Brisbane Broncos of the NRL... |
Travis Norton Travis Norton Travis Norton is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s... |
Tonie Carroll Tonie Carroll Tonie Carroll is retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. An Australian and New Zealand international representative utility, he played for the Brisbane Broncos of the NRL... |
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| Interchange | Steve Price |
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... |
Steve Price |
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| Interchange | Chris Flannery |
Andrew Gee Andrew Gee Andrew Gee is an Australian rugby league administrator and the current football operations manager at the Brisbane Broncos of the NRL... |
Travis Norton Travis Norton Travis Norton is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s... |
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| Interchange | Paul Bowman |
 Scott SattlerScott Sattler Scott Sattler is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who later became the Football Manager for the Gold Coast Titans. As a player he played for the Gold Coast Chargers from 1992 to 1993 as well as a second spell with the club between 1997 and 1998... |
Michael Crocker Michael Crocker Michael Crocker is an Australian professional rugby league footballer with the South Sydney Rabbitohs of the NRL... |
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| Interchange | Andrew Gee Andrew Gee Andrew Gee is an Australian rugby league administrator and the current football operations manager at the Brisbane Broncos of the NRL... |
Matt Bowen Matt Bowen Matthew Jeremy "Matt" Bowen is an Australian rugby league player. He has spent his whole professional career with the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League , playing in over 200 matches and holding the club's record for the player with the most NRL appearances. He appeared in the... |
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| Coach | Wayne Bennett |
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External links
- 2003 State of Origin at sportsphotography.net
- State of Origin 2003 at rugbyleagueproject.org