Game I
| 11 June 2003 | Queensland | 12–25 | New South Wales | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Attendance: 52,429 Referee/s: Bill Harrigan Man of the Match: Luke Bailey |
| Darren Lockyer (8 - 1t,2g) Gorden Tallis (4 -1t) |
(Report) | (13 - 1t,4g,1fg) Andrew Johns (8 - 2t) Anthony Minichiello |
In Game I, Andrew Johns spoiled what was supposed to be a party time for the Queenslanders, who returned to their spiritual home of Suncorp Stadium formerly known as Lang Park. The ground was quickly nicknamed the "Sand Pit" as its sandy surface was constantly shifting under the feet of players. Both Maroons centres Justin Hodges and Paul Bowman, were taken from the field with serious knee injuries which were later blamed on the shifting surface.
The Blues pack led by interchange prop Luke Bailey, hammered their Maroons counterparts and gave Johns plenty of room to weave his magic. Johns contributed 13 points to the tally while Anthony Minichiello scored a try double.
Read more about this topic: 2003 State Of Origin Series
Famous quotes related to game i:
“The savage soul of game is up at once—
The pack full-opening various, the shrill horn
Resounded from the hills, the neighing steed
Wild for the chase, and the loud hunter’s shout—
O’er a weak, harmless, flying creature, all
Mixed in mad tumult and discordant joy.”
—James Thomson (1700–1748)