Legends ready for spectacular Origin opening

Suncorp Stadium will be blacked out for 18 minutes prior to kick-off tomorrow night (Wednesday) as part of a spectacular pre-game celebration featuring 22 iconic Rugby League legends and some of the great moments of Origin.

With Game I of the 2014 Holden State of Origin Series marking 100 games of Origin, fans at the match and television audiences worldwide will be treated to a collection of Origin moments that have put smiles on people's faces since the inception in 1980 of one of sport's greatest rivalries.

It will open with former Queensland captain Wally Lewis and NSW enforcer Mark Geyer side by side; and includes Peter Sterling, Brett Kenny, Steve Roach, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler, Chris Close, Greg Dowling, Petero Civoniceva, Steve Renouf, Michael Hancock, Sam Backo, Paul Vautin, Mark Coyne, Darren Lockyer, Danny Buderus, Tommy Raudonikis, Gorden Tallis, Ben Elias and his mother Barbara, and super coaches Wayne Bennett and Phil Gould.

The pre-game spectacle will also feature a tribute to the "father" of Origin, the late Arthur Beetson, an Immortal who was instrumental in making Origin such a success.

Beetson's Number 11 Queensland jersey will be retired for Game I only and his four grandchildren - Pedro (16), Jack (12), Riley (9) and Billy Beetson (4) - will lead the XXXX Queensland Maroons on to the field.

(Please note: Patrons attending are urged to be seated by 7.20pm before Suncorp Stadium is blacked out at 7.30pm).