A 79th-minute extra effort under fatigue by Queensland prop Shane Webcke in the State of Origin series opener 25 years ago has been hailed for the lessons it offers for today’s players.
As the Maroons and NSW prepare to do battle in the series opener in Adelaide on Wednesday night, former Queensland forward Peter Ryan recalled Webcke’s magnificent moment, saying modern warhorses Tom Gilbert and Reuben Cotter epitomised the type of players likely to do something similar.
With the Maroons trailing 23-18 in the opening game of the 1998 Origin series, Webcke displayed tremendous determination and grit to snaffle an Andrew Johns grubber that rebounded inside his own 10-metre line.
He had just made several desperate try-saving tackles.
From the ensuing set of six, Queensland went down the other end and Tonie Carroll scored the match winner, converted by Darren Lockyer, to give the Maroons a 24-23 victory.
They went on to win the series 2-1.
Ryan was playing in that game and said Webcke’s play was momentous.
“Moments like that don’t just happen,” Ryan told AAP.
“Shane Webcke, very much like Cotter and Gilbert in today’s side, was the kind of guy that built his reputation and career on hard work.
“Shane epitomised that to a tee and never left anything in the tank.
“Our last-minute try in game one in 1998 came off the back of a key play by an individual who had a collective mindset all based on hard work.
“That play is just as relevant now. It could decide a tight Origin game in Adelaide.
“No one would have begrudged Shane if he didn’t get down and dive on that ball but he somehow managed to do it and we won the game.”
Hitman Ryan played with a hint of the mongrel. Regarded as one of the toughest tacklers ever to lace a boot he sees kindred spirits in Gilbert and Cotter.
“Gilbert is a lunatic by the look of him. I absolute love him,” Ryan said.
“Cotter is like a little blue dog. You can’t cant get rid of him. He keeps going all day. He’s like an Eveready battery.
“Gilbert and Cotter are guys that Queensland will be able to count on late in the game.”
Cotter played 80 minutes in his Queensland debut in Origin I last year.
“That is the Reuben we have learned to know and love,” Gilbert said, praising his Maroons teammate and former North Queensland colleague for his “hard work and putting the team first”.
“He is a true competitor and I am sure if he has to do it again, he will.
“He is one of my favourite players I have ever played with because of his selflessness.
“The thing I know about Reubs is that despite all his personal struggles, he has always put the team he is in first.
“I am just really happy for his achievements personally, but also to be back playing with him.
“He is one of my best mates and to be putting the Queensland jersey on for the first time together is extremely special.”
Australian Associated Press