It was definitely the early 1990’s, I know that for certain. There I am, maybe five or six, on the carpet inches away from the television screen.

The famous Wide World of Sports theme blares through the TV and I’m immediately hooked. Then the undeniable beat of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” shakes its way out of the speakers and slaps me across the face as images of bloodied enemies in blue and maroon start pile driving, back slamming and throwing wild haymakers, hoping to inflict as much as pain as possible.

However it’s not quite finished there.

The memories are vague and I couldn’t tell you a thing about the match or even the venue.

After the highlights reel of past Origin encounters, onto the screen comes little Queensland half-back Allan Langer dressed as Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk, “what’s this?” I think, “This is amazing!”

Maybe it was Paul Sironen, maybe Paul Harragon playing the giant, it didn’t really matter.

This to me was the pinnacle of entertainment, this was State of Origin.

There’s sport and then there is Origin.

Since 1980 we’ve tried to explain what Origin is or why it’s the best but that’s easy, it’s everything.

State of Origin was born out of man’s most basic instinct, survival.

It’s still about survival and it’s still about the primitive tale of hero versus villain. Go back through history, anywhere you want, and you’ll find the remnants of good and evil. Depending on which side you support obviously dictates who your good guy is and who’s your baddy.

Even then, Origin is so brilliant because you don’t have to be from Queensland or New South Wales to believe in it.

You watched Star Wars to see the Jedi Knights strike back against Darth Vader and the Imperial Army, James Bond bring his latest nemesis to justice or maybe it’s Batman and Joker, the difference is you never know who is going to come out on top in this never-ending wrestle for rugby league supremacy.

The script and its cast are always changing too.

Opening night next Wednesday will begin with the world’s biggest action star, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, opening the pre-game buildup.

We’ve come a long way since Alfie Langer’s Jack.

But that’s just the entrée.

The real stars will run out just passed 8pm local time to take their place in history, in this small piece of the Origin puzzle.

Can the besieged Mitchell Pearce return to the cauldron, with his father Wayne’s Origin shadow always close, and win the hearts of the doubtful fans?

Does Robbie Farah have what it takes as NSW captain with Paul Gallen watching, critiquing from the sidelines?

Is the Maroons dynasty officially dead forever or can these Immortals in waiting rise again?

There’s Andrew Fifita’s baby, Billy Slater’s health, Trent Hodkinson’s form, debuts, swansongs, old friendships, new friendships, hatred, respect, trust, panic, blood and an ex-pat watching from San Francisco.

What more do you want?

This is State of Origin and it starts again next Wednesday night.

And twenty-odd years from now there will be someone like me, writing about a distant memory of Dwayne Johnson and the warriors in the blue and maroon.

@CurtisWoodward1

Video source: This Is Rugby League