Six straight Origin losses for NSW as Lockyer bows out

TONY EASTLEY: After the State of Origin decider last night Queensland fans were exultant, very happy that what they believe to be football's natural order had been maintained and that their champion captain left the field a winner.

It was the Maroons' six successive series win over New South Wales and the first time Queensland has won a decider at Lang Park in 20 years.

Stephanie Smail reports.

FAN 1: Queensland! Queensland!

STEPHANIE SMAIL: Excited fans decked out in their maroon or pale blue finest started pouring into Lang Park hours before kickoff.

VOX POP 1: There is no way those Blues are going to come home with anything except for tears. So get the tissues out.

FANS (shouting): Queenslander!

VOX POP 3: We'll just be screaming our lungs out, trying to get over 50,000 mad Queenslanders.

STEPHANIE SMAIL: Fifty-two and a half thousand people packed the stadium and hundreds more filled nearby pubs to watch the much anticipated game.

It didn't take long for the Maroons to score.

SPORTS ANNOUNCER: Now it goes to Thurston, Thurston putting a kick in and coming up with the ball, it's Inglis. And Inglis will score!

(Applause and cheering)

STEPHANIE SMAIL: It was Queensland Captain Darren Lockyer's 36th and final Origin game and he was instrumental in the team's early success.

The Maroons dominated the first half but the Blues hit back with two tries just before the break.

SPORTS ANNOUNCER: And New South Wales has scored a try through Minichiello. Unbelievable! You've got to have a look at this.

STEPHANIE SMAIL: Johnathan Thurston paid a high price for the team's success, suffering a knee injury that could sideline him for up six weeks.

SPORTS ANNOUNCER: He was writhing on the ground, put his hand up in the air.

STEPHANIE SMAIL: But the Maroons tries kept piling up and they beat the Blues 34 points to 24.

SPORTS ANNOUNCER: A magnificent win for Queensland, a magnificent series win in the decider and an incredible record. Darren Lockyer's got all his mates around him celebrating as Queensland wrap up a sixth successive series.

STEPHANIE SMAIL: Queensland captain Darren Lockyer:

DARREN LOCKYER: Such a relief that you know, that we won. It takes a big effort to do what this team's done over the last six years. And mate I'll miss it that's for sure. But I've been so fortunate to be involved in this.

STEPHANIE SMAIL: The Maroons fans were overjoyed, kicking off rowdy celebrations.

(Sound of drumming)

VOX POP 4: How do we feel? Just a little bit of yippiyoyoyeeee!

FANS: Lockyer, Lockyer, Lockyer!

VOX POP 5: Six in a row! Six in a row!

STEPHANIE SMAIL: New South Wales supporters were critical of their team but gracious in defeat.

VOX POP 6: The first half was like an under 17s match but they came good at the end of the first half.

VOX POP 7: A little bit gutted. But you can't deny Queensland the win can you?

VOX POP 8: And Rugby League was the winner tonight.

TONY EASTLEY: A philosophical New South Wales fan ending Stephanie Smail's report.

And as we heard in her report last night's victory was the last representative game for Queensland captain Darren Lockyer.

He's been hailed as one of the best players of all time - better perhaps than Wally Lewis.

Here's what the unassuming star from Roma had to say after he hung up his boots and wore the Maroon colours for the last time.

DARREN LOCKYER: I don't know, I think once I take the jersey off and go for a shower and pack the bag and I guess walk out of the dressing room, you know it'll sink in.

But as I said all along, I just remind myself that I've been fortunate to be a part of such, this particular team.

I've been playing for Queensland since 98 so I've had a good run. My time is up and you know I leave this arena pretty happy.

TONY EASTLEY: The unmistakeable voice of Queensland football star Darren Lockyer.

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