TWO things shaped my young football watching life - the 1989 Origin game two and 1989 grand final. I was absolutely obsessed with both of them even when the wavy lines of the VCR were suggesting that it might be time to rest.

Steve Jackson was a huge part of the 1989 grand final, scoring the winning try. He was the great fairy-tale story. He would play nine Origins for Queensland as well in a great career.

You went from Mackay to the Raiders in 1986, you bypassed Brisbane. How did that happen?

All I wanted to do was play for Souths Magpies, that’s it. I would watch the Brisbane game on a Sunday and it would be Souths a lot because they were so good. I would watch Peter Jackson, Bob Lindner, Gary Belcher and Mal Meninga and just be completely in love with that Magpies era and that was my goal.

The Roosters contacted me and were supposed to come see me but Ron Jones never rang, then Don Furner rang and this is after New Years in 1986 and said 'what’s happening?' I said the Roosters haven’t rung yet and he said I can get you a Under 23’s trial if you want to come down.

I was off to be a Raider and then I get down there and all those Magpies players are down there too. I went from watching Mal on a Sunday and now I training with them.

What are your memories of your debut for the Raiders in 1989 against Balmain?

I was the front row in Reserve Grade and Tim Sheens came to me and said you are playing centres on Sunday. It was my run-on debut I didn’t care. We had a lot of guys playing a Test series in New Zealand.

I am marking Andy Currier the English centre and he scores a try and I do my medial so it wasn’t a great debut. They said they could operate but it would mean the rest of the year off or I could physio and rehab it and get through the year so that’s what I did.

I didn’t play first grade again until the grand final.

Tell me something about the 1989 grand final that hasn’t been said?

I remember when Sheens said he was going to carry 11 reserves I was just happy. I played the prelim final for Reserve Grade and we lost to the Eels so I thought my season was over and now I am sitting on the bench for A Grade.

I didn’t expect to get on. I remember sitting there and I kept staring at the red Winfield Cup grand final badge on my arm. I thought a new jumper number 20 and a grand final badge - best day ever.

Then they said Jackson warm up and I had no idea, I am looking around for who they’re talking to.

I went into tunnel at the Sydney Football Stadium and pretended to stretch waiting for them to say sit down.

Things got real when Paul Martin dropped a ball and they said Todd off Jackson on. Right I ran on and packed in against Blocker.

You have the unbelievable ratio of 78 NRL games to nine Origins. That’s an Origin every eight NRL games. That has to be record?

Craig Bellamy said that too. He thinks to play nine Origin you’d normally need 200 games. I’ll take it.

Your debut in 1990 at Lang Park, Arthur as coach, Wally captain and you score a try up the Milton Road end off Alf. Is that a dream?

I moved to Wests Magpies in 1990 and at halftime v the Dragons they’ve told me I have been picked in the Queensland side. So all I am thinking is don’t get hurt and of course I hurt my neck.

Bob Lindner and I flew up to Brisbane that night and he said the first thing the doctor will do is move your neck don’t wince or show pain.

It was only a short camp, so we played on the Sunday, into camp and play Wednesday night. But it was great fun.

The 1991 series is one of the best ever. What are your memories of it?

Warren Ryan was coach at the Magpies and he’s called me in and said I am not sure if this is good or bad but you’ve been picked for Queensland.

I asked how can that be bad? He said look at their pack and look at yours - you’ll get beaten by 40.

I thought we will show you.

Wally’s last series, the rain at the SFS and O’Connor’s kick it was just sensational. I have eight of my nine Queensland jumpers. I gave one away to the Starlight foundation but along with my Raiders number 20 they’re pretty special.

My daughter asked when she can have the Raiders jumper. I said one day. Not today but one day.

You got to play under some super coaches - Warren Ryan, Tim Sheens, Wayne Bennett and Graham Lowe. What is something you learnt?

I learnt a lot but Wayne Bennett is probably the one that taught me the most. He knows how to push you and he surrounded himself with great leaders who knew him well.

I remember saying to Bennett in 1987 I think I might get a player manager Wayne and he said to me you need to learn how to play first.

I went to Peter Jackson and said why does he hate me? He doesn’t hate you mate he’s trying to fire you up.

He knows his players and how to get results.

I lived with Peter Jackson and I used to put his Queensland jumper on and walk around the house. I lived with Laurie Daley too- great housemates.

Mitch Brennan is very important to you isn’t he?

He was the Raiders Reserve Grade coach when I came down and gave me my start even after I was late for training. I was sitting at home thinking what am I supposed to be doing today - oh that’s right  Reserve Grade training.

I turn up and it’s over. Mitch accepted my apology and let me play Reserve Grade. Very intelligent man and a good man.

Our under 23’s front row was Steve Walters, Glenn Lazarus and myself. I am the odd one out there.