John Lang had a decorated rugby league career as player and coach. He pulled on the maroon jersey for the inaugural State of Origin clash at Lang Park in 1980.

“We didn’t realise how big it was going to become”.

Prior to State of Origin, Queensland players were aggrieved at having to represent NSW. “It was strange for Queenslanders to pull on a NSW jersey”.

It (Origin 1) was Arthur’s [Beetson] first game for Queensland. From our point of view, his enthusiasm and excitement about playing for Queensland was one of the really big drivers in our team”.

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