The vision of Steve Mortimer collapsing to his knees on the hallowed Sydney Cricket Ground, and then burying his face into the turf the Blues shed blood, sweat and tears on for victory is in Origin folklore for eternity.
1985 was the year, and the NSW Blues had not won a single series since the induction of State of Origin in 1980.
After winning the opening game of the series, the Blues fought hard in Game II to clinch a 21-14 victory, after Brett Kenny scored the match-winning try, and the Sydney Cricket Ground erupted.
Steve Mortimer was the captain of the side, and many that played alongside him say that he was the man than instilled the raw passion into the sky blue jumper.
He made the NSW players want to play for their state, their fans, their families, themselves, but most importantly, each other.
While he may have only captained the Blues for three games, he won all three of them, and represented his state nine times from 1982-85.
Players, captains and legends come and go, but only one man led the NSW Blues to their first every State of Origin series victory, and that man was Steve Mortimer.
Watch Steve Mortimer talk about his decorated career with Steve “Blocker” Roach
Watch our amazing tribute to the 1985 State of Origin team's series victory
Farewell one of our greatest Origin captains, Paul Gallen, by being a part of The Star-backed Blatchys Blues for Origin III. Click here to purchase tickets and to secure a seat to witness history. Don’t forget, for all the latest on the VB Blues and State of Origin, download the official NSWRL app and make www.NSWRL.com.au your homepage.
