I can still hear Ray Warren's booming call of the moment and proud Queenslander Paul "Fatty" Vautin's voice in the background yelling out "Oh yeah! What about that one". Best of rivals: NSW coach Laurie Daley and Queensland counterpart Mal Meninga share quite a history when it comes to Origin. Credit:Getty Images Game two went to Melbourne in front of a capacity crowd at the MCG. The Blues dominated the match to win 14-0. The series was now level. The two states were off to a decider in Brisbane for game three. Sound familiar? Captain of the Queensland team in 1994 was the great Mal Meninga. Adding to the hype around this match was that this game would mark the end of Mal's stellar Origin playing career. He was there in game one 1980 when Origin football first began. Here he was, still leading Queensland's charge, 14 years later, in 1994.

Big celebrations were planned. All those north of the border were determined to deliver Mal the ultimate send-off by clinching the series in his honour. Those were the days: Laurie Daley with the State of Origin shield in 1994. Credit:Getty Images The "Let's do it for Mal" headlines were already dominating the media as the NSW lads convened at their team hotel in Coogee to commence training camp for game three. The NSW coach delivered his introductory speech, outlining plans for the week, how and when the team would train, the strategy for the game; coach then highlighted the enormity of the challenges ahead. This would be no easy task and would require nothing less than 100 per cent of all these players could muster.

NSW had never won a decider at Lang Park. The Maroons were a different team and always harder to beat on their home soil. The parochial crowd would be at fever pitch on the night. The emotion of this being Mal's last game could potentially incite the crowd, inspire the other Queensland players and even intimidate the referees. But the NSW players were not intimidated. They were there to do a job. Nothing could be allowed to deter them. The coach finally asked: "So are we just going to be a part of these 'let's do it for Mal' celebrations? Or will we be having something to say about the result of this match ourselves?" No sooner had the question been asked, when a voice boomed out for all to hear: "F--- Mal." All heads turned to the NSW captain Laurie Daley sitting in the corner of the room.

Laurie stood up and repeated his statement. "F--- Mal. He's had enough good stuff in his career. This game isn't about him. It's about us. This is our time. F--- Mal." Laurie's eyes were glaring at his teammates as he spoke. You've all seen his look. Only Laurie can stare like Laurie does. What made these comments all the more remarkable was that Laurie and Mal Meninga were mates, in fact they were club teammates at the Canberra Raiders; and Mal had always been something of a mentor to Laurie during the formative years of Laurie's development as a professional footballer. Friend, teammate, mentor, opposing captain or not; it was plainly obvious that all the nice relationship stuff between Mal and Laurie would be put to one side when the two teams clashed in nine days' time. As Laurie sat back down, he repeated: "F--- Mal. This is our time."

And with those few words the coach got the distinct impression that the team's preparations were already complete. Laurie wasn't afraid of Mal. No need for anyone else to be afraid either. Our leader had spoken. History shows the Laurie Daley-led Blues dominated Queensland in that final match of 1994 to become the first NSW team to win a decider in Brisbane, the first NSW team to win a series after losing game one of the series; and they became the first NSW team to win three State of Origin series in a row. All led by captain Laurie Daley. Sound familiar? Fast forward to season 2013 and Laurie Daley is handed the reins to coach the NSW Blues.

Why? Well, mainly because the Queensland team had by this stage won a record seven Origins in a row, coached by one of Queensland's greatest-ever players. Yep, Mal Meninga. Someone had to stop them. Enter Laurie Daley. The Blues narrowly lost the 2013 series. Daley was shattered and later admitted to those close to him that he could never have imagined how painful a series loss would be as a coach. Soul-searching followed. Daley steeled himself for the 2014 series. Improved methods. Specialist staff. Stronger attitude. No stone unturned.

The Blues finally won their first series after eight long years. While there was great joy from fans throughout NSW that their team had finally cracked it for a win and broken the drought, one sensed Laurie Daley was not satisfied just yet. Think about it for a moment. Mal versus Laurie. Mal Meninga wins the first series against Laurie Daley in 2013. Laurie responds to win the next series against Mal in 2014.

They are now locked at one series apiece. If you don't think this is personal for Laurie, think again. The best of friends? Yes. The best of enemies? Absolutely. On Wednesday night we again head to the old Lang Park for a decider. I hear there are celebrations and recognitions planned for the great Mal Meninga. Deservedly so too. Mal is a legend.

But will Laurie Daley and his men be intimidated by the atmosphere and the occasion of Mal's special night? "F--- Mal." Enjoy your Origin footy, folks.