With the 2019 State of Origin series just around the corner, we have taken a look at some of the most memorable Dragons moments in the Origin area.
New South Wales 9 defeated Queensland 8
Game One, May 26, 2004
ANZ Stadium
An extra time thriller unfolded in front of almost 70,000 fans at ANZ Stadium with Dragons star Shaun Timmins the man in Blue to ignite New South Wales to a golden point victory. Timmins also scored the Blues' one and only try in the second half, levelling the scores 8-all in the process.
In the 83rd minute, the Blues found themselves in field goal range when Timmins stepped up and slotted a 35-metre field goal to win the match. The ball looked like it was going to fall short of the crossbar but Timmins's boot provided just enough length to scrape over the posts and level the series at 1-all. It was just the second field goal of his career. NSW would end up winning the series 2-1.
New South Wales 18 defeated Queensland 8
Game Two, June 15, 2011
ANZ Stadium
After a stellar season leading the Dragons to the premiership in 2010, Jamie Soward was rewarded with a sky blue jersey in 2011 and the nifty playmaker made the most of his chance.
After losing the opening match in Brisbane, the Blues returned to a full stadium in Sydney with the series on the line. With four minutes left on the clock, the Blues claimed a slim 12-8 lead but needed a knock out blow to seal the match.
A Queensland knock-on forced a scrum 10 metres out from their own line where Soward then took centre stage. In his trademark headgear, Soward stepped the Queensland defence and charged toward the line before unselfishly offloading to Anthony Minichiello who dived over for the match winner. Queensland went on to win the deciding match in Brisbane.
Queensland 16 defeated New South Wales 12
Game One, May 23, 1994
Sydney Football Stadium
It is highly regarded as the best try in State of Origin history and it was scored by none other than Dragons legend Mark Coyne. In Game One of the 1994 series, Coyne finished off a brilliant length of the field Queensland try to steal the match at the death.
In the 79th minute, Queensland trailed 12-10 and had the wind in their sails. Starting within their own half, the ball travelled from edge to edge as Queensland quickly gained ground up field despite the desperate Blues defence. Allan Langer almost broke through before throwing a wild pass to Mal Meninga who offloaded to Coyne. Coyne stepped back on the inside of Brad Fittler and lunged to the line to finish off one of the great Origin moments. Commentator Ray Warren famously screamed the words "That's not a try that's a miracle" as a result of the play.
State of Origin 2011
It was Dragons galore in the 2011 State of Origin series with eight players spanning across both sides. Game One of the series featured a Blues team littered with Dragons stars. Brett Morris, Mark Gasnier and Jamie Soward featured throughout the entire series, while Dean Young, Ben Creagh, Beau Scott and Trent Merrin chimed in for the forwards. Queensland representative Darius Boyd also laced up during the series that saw Queensland continue their streak of Origin victories.
