Top 4 unforgettable State of Origin moments

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State of Origin is undeniably one of the premier sporting events in Australia and attracts record audiences both in the stadiums as well as in front of the televisions.

While every sport has its unforgettable moments, for instance FIFA World Cup has many, there are many famous incidents that typify what State of Origin is all about. The images of these moments will always stay stuck in the memories of rugby league fans.

Let's take you through four such unforgettable State of Origin moments.

Arthur Beetson coming to blows with Mick Cronin in the Game 1, 1980

There is no other moment that can better the greatest try in the history of Australian rugby than the scuffle which sparked State of Origin to life. Arthur Beetson, the Maroons captain ignited the saying, ‘State against State, mate against mate' when he landed that famous punch on the NSW centre Mick Cronin, his teammate at Parramatta. That moment marked the beginning of the bitter rivalry.

The miracle try of Mark Coyne in Game 1, 1994

This was the moment that gives every fan of the rugby league goosebumps even today. Trailing 12-10 against NSW in the 79th minute of the game, Queensland went on a legendary attacking raid from 60m out, starting from the right touchline, going to the left, then back to the right, and Mark Coyne finishing the movement after nine passes and sealing a memorable victory for Queensland. It was a try that made Ray Warren make that unforgettable call, "That's not a try, that's a miracle!"

Wati Holmwood, the streaker interrupts play in Game 3, 2013

With Queensland closing in on another important series victory, leading 12-10 with a little over two minutes remaining in the game, Wati Holmwood, a streaker, etched his name as well as his naked frame in State of Origin history books, by charging onto the field and right into the place where all the action was happening! 

He was chased by a trail of high-vis security guards. Not only did his 60 seconds of fame cost him a jail sentence, but Matt Scott, the Maroons stalwart was also denied a try as the video referee ruled that Holmwood had obstructed the defensive line of the Blues.

Wally Lewis taking on Mark Geyer in Game 2, 1991

A grubby Mark Geyer tackling Steve Walters even at the sound of the half-time siren led to a wild all-in brawl that can never be forgotten. David Manson, the referee called forth Mark Geyer and the respective captains Benny Elias and Wally Lewis for some stern talking. At this point Geyer and Lewis got into a shouting match and continued pushing and shoving each other even while leaving the field. Elias and Manson had to keep them separated all the while. In the end NSW won the game 14-12, however, lost the series.