The Champions

After a humiliating defeat in the 2000 State of Origin series, Queensland turned to legendary coach Wayne Bennett to restore state pride. Bennett's bold move to select an entirely new Maroons team paid off with a victory in the opening game of the 2001 series. However, the Blues fought back, leveling the series with a dominant performance in game two. With the decider looming, Queensland needed a spark. Enter Allan Langer. In this episode of Stories of Origin, we revisit the dramatic and unexpected return of Alfie Langer for the 2001 State of Origin. Hosted by Nine’s NRL Commentator Mathew Thompson.  Produced by 9Podcasts & Wide World of Sports.   Presented in partnership with Youi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allan Langer’s playing legacy still looms large over the Broncos. The clubs Inaugural halfback in 1988 would become their first premiership captain in ‘92, a title they defended in ‘93. He’d go on to lead a team rated among the greatest club outfits ever assembled to the Super League premiership of ‘97, and in ‘98 they reigned supreme again in a reunited 20 team competition. It’s a career so profound that Langer is immortalised in bronze with his own statue at Lang Park alongside fellow QLD champions, Lewis, Lockyer, Beetson and Meninga. Hosted by Nine’s NRL Commentator Mathew Thompson.  Produced by 9Podcasts & Wide World of Sports.   Presented in partnership with Youi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Rugby League halfback is the beating heart of a football team, part drummer, part lead guitarist, but every seven needs a six.  In the case of Alan Langer, his illustrious wingmen are as much a part of his story as himself.  On this episode of Stories of Origin ‘Alfie’, we shine a light on Langer's leading men, playmaking champions Wally Lewis and Kevin Walters. Hosted by Nine’s NRL Commentator Mathew Thompson. Produced by 9Podcasts & Wide World of Sports.  Presented in partnership with Youi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the smallest men to have played the game, ‘Alfie’ rose to become a giant figure of the sport. On episode one of Stories of Origin, Alfie, we go back to where it all began. The sports loving, blue collar Queensland city of Ipswich, which has played a significant part in developing champions of the state. And we explore a truly unique relationship. Alfie’s greatest supporter was actually a fellow number seven that was New South Wales to the core. Hosted by Nine’s NRL Commentator Mathew Thompson. Produced by 9Podcasts & Wide World of Sports.  Presented in partnership with Youi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 1 available Monday 29 April 2024. Allan Langer. The diminutive playmaking whiz who bamboozled and befuddled opponents for decades remains Queensland’s most capped halfback and revered as ever. Tough, tenacious and talented beyond all comprehension. This season Stories of Origin shines the spotlight on the career of the little number 7 that became a giant footballing figure. Stories of Origin ‘Alfie’ is available on 9Now and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Nine’s NRL Commentator Mathew Thompson.  Produced by 9Podcasts & Wide World of Sports.  Presented in partnership with Youi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It can take just one play to make someone an Origin hero. In the case of Adam Mogg, his two games for Queensland are as significant as any. In 2006, State of Origin was in its 25th year. New South Wales was coming off its third straight series victory and there was growing concern about the long-term future of State of Origin, as many commentators were beginning to wonder if Queensland would ever win another series. Up step the Toowoomba product, Adam Mogg.  In this episode of Stories of Origin, Adam Mogg and Jonathan Thurston sit down to discuss the 2006 series, the adversity they had to overcome, and the unlikely hero that would help trigger a decade of Queensland dominance.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gus and Big Marn share their most memorable Origin moments, hilarious footy stories and a detailed preview of the 2023 State of Origin series. State of Origin is live and exclusive on 9 and 9Now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2014 State of Origin is best remembered for New South Wales' victory which ended Queensland's record run of eight straight series wins.  The opening game in front of a raucous Queensland crowd at Suncorp Stadium was a grueling affair.  The Blues won 12 - 8 in a demanding match, in large part thanks to the memorable performances of the Morris Twins. In this episode of Stories of Origin, Brett and Josh Morris take us through Game 1 of the 2014 drought-breaking series, and the courage, determination and resilience that ended Queensland's dominance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 1998 State of Origin series featured some of the best Rugby League ever witnessed.  After three years of interruptions due to Super League, the best of the best were back to battle it out for interstate supremacy. Player for player, it was perhaps the strongest series ever staged. Champion Darren Lockyer wore the maroon of Queensland and the green and gold of Australia and with the Super League seasons behind him, was regarded as one of the world's best players.   It was his left boot that capped a remarkable Queensland comeback victory in Game One of the 1998 series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2022, Brad Fittler and Billy Slater faced each other for only the second time in their Origin careers.The first time in 2004 it was under a very different set of circumstances. Slater was at the beginning of his State of Origin journey whilst Freddy was at his twilight.The 2004 State of Origin series provided us with some of the most memorable moments of all time.In this episode of Stories of Origin, Brad Fittler and Billy Slater take us through the highs and lows of Origin 2004 and share their fondest memories in what would be one of the most iconic series to date. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.