The 2024 State of Origin series may have officially come to a close, with the NSW Blues walking away with the title. However, the three-match series produced several moments that will be remembered for years to come.

As the state of New South Wales savours their victory and gains bragging rights over their rival, Zero Tackleย takes a trip down memory lane and looks at every player to wear the NSW Blues jersey from 1980 to 2024.

Since the introduction of Origin, 316 unique players have worn the Blues jersey, with the first being Tommy Raudonikis and the latest being Mitchell Barnett.

While several Blues players have represented multiple teams during their tenure for the state, this list is categorised under which club they were playing for when they made their Origin debut.

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Newcastle Knights

SYDNEY, NSW - JUNE 15: Andrew Johns of the Blues is congratulated by his brother, commentator, Matthew Johns after winning match two of the ARL State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Telstra Stadium June 15, 2005 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The Newcastle Knights have had 24 NSW Blues players over the years, with the first being Mark Sargent in 1990 and the last being Bradman Best in 2023.

  • Mark Sargent (Debut: 1990)
  • Paul Harragon (Debut: 1992)
  • Robbie McCormack (Debut: 1992)
  • Andrew Johns (Debut: 1995)
  • Matthew Johns (Debut: 1995)
  • Adam Muir (Debut: 1995)
  • Jamie Ainscough (Debut: 1996)
  • Adam MacDougall (Debut: 1998)
  • Tony Butterfield (Debut: 1998)
  • Darren Albert (Debut: 1999)
  • Matthew Gidley (Debut: 2000)
  • Mark Hughes (Debut: 2001)
  • Danny Buderus (Debut: 2002)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Danny Buderus of the Blues runs onto the field to play in his last Origin match before match three of the ARL State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on July 2, 2008 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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