Everyone remembers their first State of Origin.
Whether it was because of a glorious moment, like Billy Moore's 'Queenslander' chant or Darren Lockyer starting the dynasty, or because of the general atmosphere of being with friends and family, all decked out in maroon, the earliest memories can be some of the most special.
Some of these current crop of Maroons are no different and have shared their earliest memories in the latest instalment of Set of six.
What is your earliest State of Origin memory?
Kurt Capewell
"My memory is not actually of the games, but of me sitting in the lounge room with dad, getting bombed for talking too much while the footy was on. And then, the game of footy that came after that between me and my brothers."
Daly Cherry-Evans
"The first thing that pops up is Billy Slater’s chip and chase. That was about the time I was really starting to enjoy my footy and starting to dream about all those moments for my career one day so yeah, Billy’s chip and chase."
6 - Slater's try lights up the cauldron
Xavier Coates
"All I’m thinking of is watching GI growing up. I’d go to school on the day of the game, I’d just be talking about what GI would do that night. Seeing him play was my favourite."
Lindsay Collins
"I think it was just the pizza on a Wednesday night after school. You just sit down in front of the TV and you watch it. The best thing was when they would say their junior clubs before the game and cross their arms, you’d always look out for one from your junior club. I think we might have had one... David Shillington, he played for Brothers, so that’s the only one I remembered."
Tom Dearden
"From what I do remember, one of the earliest memories was watching Billy Slater do that little chip kick for the try. I do remember watching that try and that has stuck in my mind. I think I might have been four or five years old when that happened."
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
"It would definitely be the Gorden Tallis tackle (on Brett Hodgson in 2002). That’s one that stands out the most."
8 - Tallis rag-dolls Hodgson
Thomas Flegler
"We were on the wrong side of the scoreline but it was the Steve Price fight (in 2009). That’s my earliest memory."
Valentine Holmes
"I think 2004, Game II when Locky (Darren Lockyer) kicked that grubber for Bill (Slater) and he chipped it over Anthony Minichiello to score. I don’t know if that was my first moment, but it’s one that really sticks in my mind."
Felise Kaufusi
"Langer making a comeback (in 2001) and his try over the shoulder."
Josh Papalii
"Probably when I was seven to 12, I just remember if Queensland lost you’d go to school ready to take on all the NSW dudes. I’m maroon to the bone and that’s no different today."
Rupert McCall: Blood and bone maroon
Kalyn Ponga
"I was living in Mount Isa and I would have been seven or eight and going to my uncle’s place. He went for NSW and my old man went for Queensland... I remember sitting in his garage, and just that rivalry."
23 - Matty Bowen's intercept try
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
"I’m not too sure… but Bowen’s intercept try is probably my earliest one... it’s the moment I remember the most, with him putting his arm up in the air."
This is the second instalment of 'Set of six' where we get to know more about what State of Origin means to the current Queensland Maroons squad. Stay tuned to QRL.com.au for more insights from the players.
More 'Set of six'...
