Danny Buderus’ Famous Decider

In the final episode of Stories of Origin series five, host Mathew Thompson sits down with the legendary Greg Inglis to discuss his standout 2008 State of Origin campaign. Known for his power and intimidation, "GI" recalls how he overcame a difficult start to the series to secure a glorious victory in Queensland’s golden era of dominance. Despite his on-field success, Greg reflects on the personal challenges he faced with his mental health. Now, as a fit and healthy family man, he uses his powerful profile to support indigenous people who are experiencing the same issues. His commitment to the Goanna Academy is making a significant impact, a legacy that extends well beyond his on-field achievements, especially as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week. This episode concludes series five of Stories of Origin, winner of the Best Sports Podcast at the annual Australian Audio Awards. Host: Mathew ThompsonExecutive Producer: Matty White Thanks to TAB for supporting Stories of Origin Season 5.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No one has had a greater influence on New South Wales rugby league than Brad Fittler. A Blues legend, Freddy played a record 31 State of Origin matches for NSW before later coaching his state on 18 occasions. But the Origin story closest to his heart came in 2004, when Phil Gould convinced him to return from representative retirement for one final campaign. It wasn't all smooth sailing. The comeback didn't start as planned, but it ended with one of the most memorable fairytale finishes in Origin history. In this episode of Stories of Origin, Brad Fittler relives the 2004 series, his final season in the Sky Blue jersey, the unforgettable decider, and the perfect send-off alongside Phil Gould. A farewell that remains one of the great moments in Origin history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No player has worn the Queensland jersey more times than Cameron Smith. Across 42 State of Origin appearances, Smith became the ultimate competitor, captain and match-winner, helping lead the Maroons through one of the most dominant eras in rugby league history. But when asked to choose his favourite Origin, Smith doesn't go back to the beginning. He picks 2017. It was a series that seemed destined for New South Wales after a crushing Game One victory in Brisbane against a Queensland side missing Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston. Then came Thurston's unforgettable sideline conversion in Sydney despite a shattered shoulder. And finally, a decider in Brisbane that would become Smith's last ever game for Queensland. In this episode of Stories of Origin, Cameron Smith relives the highs, the pressure, the leadership challenges and the moments that made the 2017 series his most memorable Origin campaign. From adversity to triumph, this is the story of one of Queensland's greatest ever victories, told by the man who led it. Thanks to TABSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danny Buderus relives his favourite State of Origin memory, Game 3, 2005. From the heartbreak of Matt Bowen’s intercept in Game 1 golden point, to the return of Andrew Johns and captaining NSW to a famous 32-10 win at Suncorp.  At the time, nobody realised it would become the last Blues decider win in Brisbane for almost two decades. This is the story of a team that got knocked down, found belief again, and etched itself into Origin history. Thanks to TAB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The "Billy the Kid" Breakout: State of Origin Game 2, 2004 In this episode of Stories of Origin, host Matthew Thompson sits down with a true icon of the game, current Maroons coach and Queensland legend Billy Slater. Travel back to 2004, a year that cemented Slater's place in Origin folklore. We revisit the electric atmosphere of Suncorp Stadium and the moment that left the sporting world breathless: Slater’s legendary double chip-and-chase try. Join us as Billy reflects on the sheer instinct behind that iconic play, the magic of the 2004 series, and what it means to be part of the Maroons' enduring legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He was at his lowest ebb - then he delivered perfection. Welcome to Season 5 of Stories of Origin. as we sit down with the true icons of the game to explore the single Origin match that defined their legacy. We are kicking off this series with a bang. Rugby league’s greatest player, Nathan Cleary, joins us to dissect his favourite Origin game: his absolute masterclass in game two of the 2022 series in Perth. It was a performance that silenced the critics and showcased the resilience required to thrive at this level. Nathan takes us inside the intense pressure of that series, revealing how he channelled the disappointment of a 16-10 home loss in game one - against a Queensland side inspired by the champion Cameron Munster, to orchestrate the defining high point of his Origin career. It’s an intimate, tactical, and honest look at what it takes to own the toughest arena in rugby league. Proudly brought to you by TAB.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 5 of Stories of Origin is here, and we’re starting with a massive statement. After a stinging 16-10 loss in game one of the 2022 series - a result that left the Blues reeling and under immense pressure - Nathan Cleary faced the ultimate test of character. How did the game's greatest player bounce back to deliver one of the most clinical masterclasses in Perth? In our Season 5 premiere, hosted by Mathew Thompson and proudly brought to you by TAB, Nathan Cleary pulls back the curtain on his favourite Origin game. We explore the tactical brilliance, the pressure of the jersey, and the exact moment he turned a career low into his defining Origin performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was 1995 - the height of the Super League war. As the ARL blacklisted players aligned with Super League, Queensland was left with a team of virtual unknowns and a first-time coach, Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin. No one expected them to win. Facing a New South Wales side stacked with international stars, the Maroons were written off before a ball was kicked. But what happened next became legend. Three decades on, Stories of Origin revisits the year Fatty’s Neville nobodies delivered a clean sweep and redefined what it means to wear Maroon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in 1994, Phil Gould’s Blues stunned Queensland by winning a decider at Lang Park - a feat unmatched for nearly two decades. Then came Game 3, 2024. It was brutal. Tryless for over an hour. Every inch hard-fought. Then, with the series in the balance, Bradman Best crashed through - pure power, pure Origin. Madge’s Blues had done it again. History repeated. A dream decider. Featuring - Bradman Best, Ben Hunt, Phil Gould, Mark Geyer, Andrew Johns, Jonathan ThurstonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lang Park. Suncorp Stadium. Call it what you like - it’s hallowed ground. The kind of place where Queensland legends are made. Where the spirit of Origin greats like Beetson, Jackson, and Tosser Turner lingers in the air. In this episode of Stories of Origin: Magic Moments, we rewind to Game 3, 2022 - a decider for the ages. With just under two minutes on the clock and the series on the line, New South Wales launch one last desperate raid… until Ben Hunt steps in. He’s not flashy. But he’s pure heart. And in that moment - with the GOAT Cam Smith watching on - the Dozer delivers. Queensland erupt. Suncorp explodes. The Maroons reclaim the shield. This is the story of Ben Hunt’s heroic Origin moment - and one of the greatest decider finishes we’ve ever seen. Go Dozer! Featuring Ben Hunt, Billy Slater and Johnathan Thurston.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.