State of Origin 2024: NSW Blues unveil new trophy immortalising iconic Steve Mortimer moment
Who says NSW doesn’t get Origin? The Blues celebrated a famous victory against Queensland by unveiling a new trophy immortalising the great Steve Mortimer, writes DEAN RITCHIE.
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Who says NSW doesn’t get Origin?
Blues players celebrated a famous victory against Queensland by unveiling a new trophy immortalising the great Steve Mortimer back in 1985.
Kept private during the series, Blues coach Michael Maguire has now revealed the trophy depicted the iconic moment when Mortimer was cheered on the shoulders of teammate after leading NSW to their first-ever State of Origin series win.
The trophy was based on a photo which shows Peter Wynn, Chris Mortimer, Noel Cleal and Wayne Pearce carrying Mortimer from the SCG.
It was the silverware NSW players bled for during the fierce Wednesday night match.
A plaque showing NSW’s winning year will be fixed to the trophy.
It will be a perpetual team prize that will define NSW for generations to come. The new trophy travelled with the side through Sydney Brisbane, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Passion doesn’t just live north of the border.
Players spoke about the trophy post-game after Wednesday night’s epic 14-4 win over Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.
And the team will vent their pride when the 2024 plate is fastened to the trophy, which will sit permanently inside NSWRL headquarters at Sydney Olympic Park.
“We were the first team to win a series – it’s a bit like your first love, you never forget it,” Cleal said. “It’s forever and now it’s been made into a trophy. It’s quite an honour being on the trophy.
“The current team is really conscious of those who played before them and the trophy symbolises that.”
Maguire has based his side’s preparation around the inspiration and success of the Mortimer-led ’85 side.
He said the trophy will be special for NSW sides in coming eras.
“The trophy is a symbol of what the boys create every time they have success,” Maguire said. “We are adding to the history of Origin and this is a symbolic way of doing that through the players who have really enjoyed learning a lot more about the history of those who dug the well.
“One thing I wanted to do was unite the old boys and current players.
“And that symbol of ‘Turvey’ is where it all started, with all his passion. Prior to 1985, NSW had Origin greats but ‘Turvey’ shaped how NSW got success at Origin level.”
Maguire said the current team can now enter the NSW history books.
“That’s why you appreciate who dug the well because at some stage these current guys will be in their shoes,” Maguire said. “They will be part of the history of NSW rugby league.
“Whatever they do in that space they will have for the rest of their lives.”
NSW players flew home on Thursday battered, bruised yet triumphant. The battle now begins to determine which players can back-up for their clubs this coming round.
COMMENT: HOW MADGE OUTFOXED BILLY IN BIGGEST PLAY OF THE ORIGIN SERIES
The bravest and riskiest behaviour throughout State of Origin wasn’t executed by a player but by the newly crowned king of NSW, Michael Maguire.
In Madge we trust.
In a four-week period between games one and three, Maguire became NSW’s fearless leader. A lion heart.
The NSW coach refused to be intimidated or bullied by arrogant Queensland – and it proved an Origin masterstroke.
After losing game one by 28 points in Sydney, Maguire could have slunk away into the shadows. But not our Madge – he came out firing.
Maguire stood in front of his side and taunted and tormented the prince of Queensland, Billy Slater.
He said Slater lived in a glass house and then called NSW the people’s team. It was a move which could have backfired spectacularly – given Slater’s status – but it proved pivotal.
Slater became rattled while Madge and his troops grew stronger as the series unfolded.
Maguire stuck solid behind his team and it was that loyalty that pushed NSW through the physically draining times during Wednesday night’s epic match.
Payne Haas spoke for his entire side when he said: “‘Madge’ has got our backs – that’s the type of person he is.”
And while Maguire and the Blues party, Queensland soul-search.
The Maroons have some key decisions to make over an ageing roster which includes Daly Cherry-Evans (35), Ben Hunt (34), Felise Kaufusi (32), Kurt Capewell (31) and Dane Gagai (33).
After such a tight and torrid loss, you could almost feel sorry for Queensland.
Well, my sympathy lasted all of five seconds.
Queensland, beautiful one day, losers the next.
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Originally published as State of Origin 2024: NSW Blues unveil new trophy immortalising iconic Steve Mortimer moment
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