On day three of our 10-day countdown to Origin I in Brisbane, we reflect on a relieving sight for NSW fans - Darren Lockyer's retirement.
Following a fifth straight series defeat the previous year, Ricky Stuart was appointed as the Blues' first full-time coach, with no club commitments, in a desperate bid to reclaim the shield.Credit:While NSW were more competitive than the 2010 shut-out, rebounding from a 16-12 loss in game one to force a decider, the Maroons once again proved too strong when it mattered most, racing to a 24-0 lead and withstanding a late fightback to stretch their winning streak to six long years.
The man who captained Queensland in all bar one of that record streak of series wins between 2006 and 2011 - missing 2008 through injury - was NSW nemesis Darren Lockyer, who finally hung up the Maroon jersey for the final time at the end of 2011. When he retired he'd featured in a then-record 36 games for Queensland, a total since surpassed by Smith and Thurston , and at the age of 34 in his final match Lockyer was no bystander.
His huge line break and 50-metre run set up their third try of the first half and two minutes later his kick led to another four-pointer. At the end of 80 minutes he was lifting another yet shield and being carried from the field. Long-suffering NSW fans couldn't be happier to see the back of him, but sadly for them, it didn't yet spell the end of their pain."I've never been so nervous. These guys have been fantastic and it's a great way to finish.
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