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Maroons captain reflects on 1995 series win 30 years on.
Sam Kosack • January 31st, 2025 6:44 pm
In an arena home to some of rugby league’s most famous moments, 30 years ago, the Queensland Maroons completed one of the most incredible upsets Origin had ever seen.
The 1995 State of Origin series took place in the middle of the Super League war, meaning some of Queensland’s biggest stars, including Alfie Langer, Steve Renouf, and Wendell Sailor were unable to play.
The Queensland team consisted of rookies and journeymen, including an 18-year-old Ben Ikin who wasn’t recognised by coach Paul Vautin when he arrived in camp. He is still the youngest player in State of Origin history.
The team would go on to complete a historic series whitewash against a NSW side still littered with stars, and watching the young players find their feet in that arena is something captain Trevor Gillmeister told SEN 1170 Afternoons is still a treasured memory.
“It was a remarkable effort by the young fellas, and it holds a very special place in my heart,” Gillmeister said ahead of the side's 30-year reunion today.
“I noticed the confidence they got especially after that first game. Maybe if they didn't get that chance in Origin, they wouldn't have gone on to have those careers… I admire them all.
“I still get people around Origin time when I'm walking around Brisbane… people will drive by with their window and yell out ‘Gilly, ‘95, best ever’”.
Having wrapped up the series with two early victories, Gillmeister thought he would miss Game 3 through injury, but a chat with Fatty Vautin ensured he would lead his state to their historic whitewash.
“I thought I was going to be ruled out and the doctor said it was my decision. I didn’t think it was that bad but clearly the doctor thought it was a bit worse than I did,” Gillmeister recalls.
“I remember Fatty, when I'm sitting in the bed, saying mate if I had the chance to go 3-0 in a whitewash against NSW and carry the shield around with your mates, I'd be going out there and I said why didn't you say that two hours ago, let’s go.
“It was an amazing time, and it holds a very special place in my heart.”
Game One of the 2025 State of Origin series will be played in Brisbane on May 28.
