Matt Bowen’s series-opening golden point magic and Andrew Johns’ unforgettable masterclass in game two set up a mouth-watering decider – but it was one-way traffic in the Suncorp Stadium climax of the 2005 State of Origin rubber.
Origin icon Wally Lewis lit the fuse for the 2005 decider when he implored Queensland to “take out” NSW talisman Andrew Johns, who had produced an individual performance worthy of ‘The King’ himself to almost singlehandedly level the series in Sydney.
Lewis’ comments brought a stinging rebuke from Blues coach Ricky Stuart, who dubbed them “irresponsible” and set a poor example to young fans.
Anthony Minichiello’s pre-match take on the controversy proved on the money.
“Mate, it doesn’t matter who tries to target ‘Joey’ (Johns),” the NSW fullback said.
“Because the great players still come up with the big plays.”
Queensland named only 16 players with one spot ‘TBA,’ evoking memories of the 2002 debacle where the Maroons exploited a suspension loophole. Tonie Carroll eventually assumed the final interchange spot in the Michael Hagan-coached Maroons squad after making a successful comeback from injury for Brisbane.
Fullback Billy Slater was dropped in favour of Matt Bowen in the most significant change to the Queensland line-up. NSW’s side for the decider was more settled, recalling Timana Tahu and Craig Gower to replace injured pair Luke Rooney and Craig Wing.
NSW laid the foundation for an emphatic victory in the opening minutes, withstanding a goal-line barrage from the home side before Minichiello scooped up a Lockyer grubber and raced 80 metres to swing the early momentum.
After Craig Fitzgibbon’s subsequent penalty goal, the Blues posted the first try in the 21st minute. Johns’ untouchable form continued with a double pump and short ball near the Queensland line for Braith Anasta to crash over. Mark Gasnier soared to claim a Johns cross-field kick and score five minutes later, while NSW placed one hand on the Origin shield when Johns and Anthony Minichiello combined to put winger Matt King on the outside of opposite Ty Williams for the visitors’ third touchdown, setting up an 18-0 scoreline – the Blues’ biggest-ever halftime lead at the time.
More Johns brilliance inside the Maroons’ quarter produced King’s second try in the 47th minute, before the Blues punished a kick-return mix-up between Williams and Bowen, with Tahu crossing in the corner for 28-0 to put the game out of reach.
Superb quick hands from Johns, Steve Menzies and Gasnier saw King complete his hat-trick – only the sixth in Origin history – in the corner with 17 minutes remaining. Late tries to Cowboys duo Jonathan Thurston and Bowen provided the gravely quiet Suncorp Stadium throng with a couple of reasons to find their voice…but the 32-10 final score was jarring nonetheless.
Becoming only the fourth team to win three consecutive series and the first to win back-to-back deciders since Queensland in 1982-83, NSW edged ahead on the all-time Origin ledger for the first time – 37 wins to 36 (with two drawn) – bolstering Stuart’s bold claim that the Blues now ‘owned’ Origin.
“It comes down to how much desire you have and how much you want the actual result,” Stuart said post-match, before lauding his team’s effort in repelling 29 straight tackles inside their 20-metre zone in the opening exchanges.
“That result was really weighing in the balance and then all of a sudden the ledger tipped our way when we survived those sets of six.”
Johns’ second straight commanding display – in what was to be his last Origin appearance – further enhanced his vast legacy. Minichiello was named man of the match and won the Wally Lewis Medal, while King collected the inaugural Brad Fittler Medal as NSW’s players’ player of the series, but Johns’ contribution was recognised later in the year with the Dally M Representative Player of the Year gong. Queensland hooker Cameron Smith won the Ron McAuliffe Medal.
Danny Buderus had become just the third player after Lewis and Laurie Daley to captain consecutive series victories.
Perhaps with Stuart’s declaration ringing in their ears, the Maroons kick-started State of Origin’s greatest dynasty the following season.
