Game III
Gould gambled by making six changes to the side which had played in game II.
| 7 July | New South Wales | 36–14 | Queensland | Telstra Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 82,487 Referee/s: Paul Simpkins Man of the Match: Craig Fitzgibbon |
| Mark Gasnier (10 - 2t,1g) Craig Fitzgibbon (10- 5g) Anthony Minichello (4 - 1t) Luke Rooney (4 - 1t) Brad Fittler (4 - 1t) Trent Barrett (4 - 1t) |
(Report) | (6 - 3g) Cameron Smith (4 - 1t) Matt Bowen (4 - 1t) Billy Slater |
In Game III, the Blues and their inspirational former captain Brad Fittler saved their best till last. The match was also the swansong for Phil Gould, New South Wales' most successful Origin coach who had commenced his coaching association with Fittler 14 years earlier at the beginning of their respective coaching and playing careers.
St George Illawarra provided six players including debutant centres Mark Gasnier and Matt Cooper and it was their attacking impetus along with Fittler's class that clinched an emphatic 36-14 victory. Fittler scored the last try in the match to the delight of his team-mates.
Read more about this topic: 2004 State Of Origin Series
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