On Wednesday night State of Origin returns to Melbourne for the first time in three years - and to the iconic MCG for the first time in almost two decades. Some of the most defining moments in State of Origin history have occurred on neutral turf in the Victorian capital. Here at Inside Sport, we've uncovered the three biggest Origin moments to have taken place in Melbourne:
1. 1995 Game II at the MCG
The second Origin game ever played at the MCG is arguably remembered for the greatest "brawl" in Origin history. In only the third minute of the game, and as the two sides came together for a scrum, Blues hooker Jim Serdaris and Maroons rake Wayne Bartrim clashed, first with a war of words, then with their fists. Soon enough, all 26 players were throwing down. Queensland went on to win the game, a brutal encounter, 20-12.
2. 2006 Game II at Docklands
With the series locked at 1-1, the deciding game for the series would be held on neutral turf for the first time ever at Docklands Stadium in Melbourne. With ten minutes remaining, NSW looked set for its fourth consecutive Origin series win, leading Queensland 14-4. However, the Queenslanders managed to get to within four points with only minutes remaining. A wayward pass from Blues fullback Brett Hodgson missed every NSW player, but an oncoming Darren Lockyer was there to intercept and score the match-winning try. The win would start a run of eight consecutive Origin series wins for the Maroons.
3. 2012 Game I at Docklands
With only ten minutes remaining, the Maroons lead the Blues 12-10. However, the Blues were finishing the game much stronger. In the 73rd minute, after recovering a cross-field kick, Greg Inglis would cross the white stripe and attempt to score a try. However, Inglis looked to have lost control of the ball when Blues' hooker Robbie Farah intervened when his boot came into contact with the ball while Inglis was attempting to score. After a lengthy video referee stoppage, the try was awarded, much to the dismay of Blues captain Paul Gallen, who blasted the on-field referee and video referee after the game. Queensland would eventually win the series 2-1 but that try, scored by the boy who grew up in the "heart of Queensland" ... Kempsey, long lives on in the memory of every Blues fan.
