1993 State of Origin series
| 1993 State of Origin series | |
|---|---|
| Won by |
 New South Wales (5th title) |
| Series margin | 2 - 1 |
| Points scored | 88 |
| Attendance | 106,395 (ave. 35,465 per match) |
| Top points scorer(s) |
Rod Wishart (22) |
The 1993 State of Origin series was the 12th year that the annual best-of-three series of rugby league football matches between the Queensland and New South Wales representative teams was contested under 'state of origin' selection rules. Queensland's favourite son Wally Lewis returned as coach just two years after his retirement as a player.
New South Wales were playing their second series under Phil Gould. Queensland were coached for the first time by their Origin "King" Wally Lewis.
An extraordinary defensive effort by New South Wales gave them the spoils in Game I. The Blues led 12-2 at half-time and then held on grimly in a dour second half repelling waves of Queensland attackers. At one stage in the second half, Queensland held the ball for 21 consecutive tackles within 10 metres of the Blues line, but never broke through. New South Wales in that half made an incredible 161 tackles and clung on for a 14-10 victory in an effort typefied by one of their big-hearted forwards, Ian Roberts, who had to leave the field moments from the end suffering from exhaustion.
The Blues were inspired by Ricky Stuart and his Canberra halves partner Laurie Daley who overshadowed Brisbane halves duo Kevin Walters and Allan Langer.
In game II the series could easily have been levelled but Queensland allowed a number of scoring opportunities to slip away. The Maroons led 6-0 at the break after captain Mal Meninga crashed over at the bell but missed at least three try-scoring chances in the first half. Willie Carne scored a fair try from a well planned and well executed cross-field kick by Allan Langer but referee Eddie Ward ruled Carne off-side. Television replays showed he wasn't. In the 30th minute Meninga passed to winger Adrian Brunker who was tackled short of the line after Meninga looked as if he might have scored himself. Four minutes later, Queensland fullback Dale Shearer inexplicably lost the ball in the in-goal area when he should have scored.
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