Origin is almost here! We're celebrating this special time of the year by counting down our favourite NSW Origin memories. With just one sleep to go, here’s our favourite clutch Blues moment – the moment Finchy completed a fairytale.
It’s the ultimate underdog story - the man nobody wanted as the NSW Blues halfback winning the game with a 35-metre field goal in Game 1 of the 2006 State of Origin series.
Commentator Peter Sterling summed it up perfectly – “Here’s a man that gets a lot of criticism, but none tonight. He has won the game for NSW.”
Craig Gower was originally selected as halfback but got injured, whilst the next three men in line were also unavailable to play. Eventually, Finch was picked to play halfback.
He scored a try and had a hand in two more, before the scores were locked at 16-all with less than two minutes remaining in the match. Finch, who had not played an Origin game in two years, called for the ball and casually slotted the one-pointer to win the game for the Blues.
Finch was swamped by his teammates, and this photo of him jumping into the arms of Braith Anasta and belting out an almighty roar displays the emotion he had once he realised what he had just achieved.
The moment the underdog won the game for his state.
What’s your favourite NSW VB Blues Magic Moment? Let us know via Facebook (NSW Blues) and Twitter (@NSWRL) using the #uptheblues hashtag.
There’s no better way to support the NSW VB Blues than by being there – and by being a part of The Star-backed Blatchys Blues. 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.
