Game III
| 23 June 1999 | Queensland | 10–10 | New South Wales | Lang Park, Brisbane Attendance: 39,371 Referee/s: Steven Clark Man of the Match: Wendell Sailor |
| Darren Lockyer (6 - 1t, 1g) Paul Green (4 - 1t) |
(Report) | (8 -2 t) Matt Geyer (2 - 1g) Ryan Girdler |
Game III played at Suncorp in treacherous wet conditions, featured plenty of dropped ball, but some of the skills on show made up for the errors. Laurie Daley once again demonstrated his prowess by miraculously scooping up a ball at his feet and off-loading to Terry Hill who then sent Matt Geyer over. Queensland's Paul Green somehow found his way through Ben Kennedy and Luke Ricketson to score and with Lockyer's conversion the Maroons led 6-4.
Adrian Lam whose club doctor at the Sydney Roosters had refused to allow him to play because of a dislocated shoulder, was cleared to play for Queensland and proved his worth by squeezing out a miracle pass to put Lockyer over. Geyer then scored for the Blues after an unlikely kick through by prop Rodney Howe to level the scores. Queensland, knowing a draw would be enough to retain the shield, had no interest in a field goal and put all their energy into holding New South Wales out.
The Blues were almost there until an inside pass from Daley to Ross went to ground. The Blues players stood around dumbfounded as the Queenslanders celebrated, having retained the title as per the rules of State of Origin at the time.
Read more about this topic: 1999 State Of Origin Series
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