Game I
Craig Gower was originally picked for the New South Wales side at halfback but pulled out because of injury. Matt Orford was forced to turn down selection as cover for Gower, also because of injury. Both Andrew Johns and Trent Barrett turned down coming out of retirement to play in the fixture so eventually Brett Finch was selected to wear the number 7 for New South Wales.
The Queensland selectors picked a total of seven State of Origin debutants for game I.
| 24 May | New South Wales | 17–16 | Queensland | Telstra Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 72,773 Referee/s: Sean Hampstead Man of the Match: Willie Mason |
| Brett Finch (5 - 1t,1fg) Brett Hodgson (4 - 2g) Matt King (4 - 1t) Willie Mason (4 - 1t) |
(Report) | (8 - 2t) Greg Inglis (4 - 1t) Steven Bell (4 - 2g) Johnathan Thurston |
Game I was played at Telstra Stadium, Sydney, and won by New South Wales 17-16, following a late field goal by NSW late-choice halfback, Brett Finch.
Read more about this topic: 2006 State Of Origin Series
Famous quotes related to game i:
“It is usual for a Man who loves Country Sports to preserve the Game in his own Grounds, and divert himself upon those that belong to his Neighbour.”
—Joseph Addison (1672–1719)