Alfie Langer was celebrating like it was 2001.
The Queensland legend, who famously answered an SOS call to help the Maroons win a State of Origin decider in 2001, was in the middle of celebrations following Wednesday evening’s victory at Accor Stadium, leading the singing in the sheds.
Langer, who served as a trainer for Queensland during their 2-1 series triumph, was showered with beer as he danced in the centre of the team scrum.
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer >
IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
The Maroons were branded underdogs and written off ahead of the Origin finale in Sydney — it had been 12 years since Queensland won a series decider in the New South Wales capital — but courtesy of a near-faultless performance from halfback Tom Dearden, honoured as player of the match while earning the Wally Lewis medallist, Queensland reclaimed the coveted shield with a 24-12 triumph.
Time and time again, the Maroons have found a way to defy the odds.
“Our passion that we have for this jersey, we can put anyone in it and they will run through a brick wall for each other,” Maroons centre Gehamat Shibasaki told Fox Sports News in the Queensland changerooms.
“You can’t take away our Queensland spirit.”
READ MORE
‘MOST DEFINITELY’: Daley’s confident claim after grilling
‘HAVEN’T OWNED IT’: Cleary’s stunning Origin admission
TALKING POINTS: Slater masterstrokes that decided Origin
Rookie centre Robert Toia, playing his maiden Origin series as a 20-year-old, predicted that celebrations would go long into the night.
“I don’t know what time we’re going to get back (to the hotel),” he laughed.
“Might not even sleep tonight.”
Alfie goes OFF in the Maroons sheds | 00:23
Queensland forward Pat Carrigan was asked what the team’s beer quota would be for that evening.
“Not enough cartons,” he laughed.
“I’ll say that much.”
‘They went on early into the morning’ | 01:00
The Queenslanders seemingly stuck true to their word — speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, Maroons second-rower Reuben Cotter was asked what time he got back to the team hotel.
“Just then,” he responded with a sheepish smirk.
“On a high still. (Celebrations) went on early into the morning.”
Elsewhere, News Corp obtained an iconic image of assistant coach Josh Hannay, still donning his business attire, asleep in bed with the Origin shield.
