LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The 1995 State of Origin series is hailed as an iconic underdog story in rugby league history.
With the Super League war leading to the absence of numerous superstars, both teams featured drastically altered lineups from the previous year.
Notably, the series opener in Sydney saw a remarkable 15 debutants on the field, highlighting the impact of the ongoing conflict.
Queensland, in particular, was significantly affected, prompting rookie Maroons coach Paul 'Fatty' Vautin to inspire his players during their first team meeting.
His motivational speech instilled a sense of confidence, making the players feel capable of extraordinary feats.
Additionally, Maroons manager Chris 'Choppy' Close infused passion into the team, occasionally shedding tears to emphasize the profound significance of representing Queensland.
Together, these elements created a compelling narrative of determination and grit for the Maroons as they faced impossible odds.