Billy Slater’s chip and chase try in the 2004 State of Origin is often considered one of the greatest in the series’ history.
However, there’s forever been conjecture about whether the Maroons legend was onside for Darren Lockyer’s grubber kick that set up the play.
Referee Sean Hampstead sent the try to the video referee who went on to award the four-pointer as Queensland won the game 22-18.
EXCLUSIVE: The inside story behind Sterlo’s banner disaster
READ MORE: Why Ciraldo tried to quit Penrith twice
READ MORE: NRL investigating Rabbitohs after Broncos clash
On Nine’s commentary, Paul Vautin called it ‘one of the greatest State of Origin tries you will ever see’ and Slater believes his run was inch perfect.
“That’s one thing, just that onside offside chasing kick. That’s one thing that I prided myself on,” he recounted on Speaking on Nine’s upcoming podcast Stories of Origin Series II, to be released on Monday May 1.
“I knew exactly where I was to the inch and it was something that I practiced and I was really diligent on myself to be onside.”
Slater, who is remembered as one of the greatest fullbacks in rugby league history was renown for his ability to play what’s in front of him.
Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now
The now Queensland coach had to wait for his fullback position in State of Origin though with Rhys Wesser keeping Slater on the wing.
Sterlo’s infamous banner stuff up
Despite playing on the edge, Slater managed to creep inside the field for a try based solely on instinct.
“I don’t even remember calling a play,” he said.
“I didn’t think about my football a whole heap back then when I was twenty years old. It was very reactional. I was a player that always wanted to be around the football. “I just saw an opportunity.
“I didn’t think twice about it, I didn’t play with a whole heap of consequence in my game and then just trusted my instinct.
“And in those moments it was either rocks or diamonds and I just came up with the diamond on that occasion.”
Last year we launched Stories of Origin the podcast by telling some of the greatest Origin stories with the icons of Australia’s greatest sporting rivalry. In Season 2 we’re focusing on memorable State of Origin performances and there could be no better way to launch this season than with Fatty and Sterlo. Stories of Origin the Podcast – Season 2 – available from Monday May 1 wherever you get your podcasts.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
