Nine’s Wide World of Sports will take the first step on the road to State of Origin 2022 when 9Podcasts launches the Stories of Origin documentary series from Friday, May 13.

Taking a deep dive into the biggest sports rivalry in Australia, the audio docu-series will access an unrivalled lineup of Origin greats from Nine’s commentary team and all the greatest moments from the WWOS archives.

Featuring exclusive access to the current Origin coaches, Queensland’s Billy Slater and New South Wales’ Brad “Freddy” Fittler, a who’s who of rugby league legends will be heard in the eight-part series that leads into Origin I on Wednesday, June 8.

Andrew Johns, Wally Lewis, Cameron Smith, Paul “Fatty” Vautin, Phil “Gus” Gould, JohnathanThurston, Darren Lockyer, Paul Gallen, Greg Inglis, Ricky Stuart, Ben Ikin and Chris “Choppy” Close will all talk about their biggest Origin moments.

Simon Fordham, Head of Partnerships and Strategy for Nine’s Wide World of Sports, said: “In the build-up to this year’s State of Origin series we will give fans more access and insight than ever with the launch of this podcast.

“The biggest names to have ever played Origin will share their stories, some of which have never been heard before. Current coaches Brad Fittler and Billy Slater will record their episodes from deep in camp as they prepare their players for the biggest match of the year.”

“This series will support our Live and Exclusive coverage of all three games on Channel 9 and 9Now, further cementing Wide World of Sports as the home of State of Origin for sports fans across all platforms.”

Head of Audio, Hayley Bourne, said: “This is a great addition to 9Podcasts and complements our total audio strategy. Australians love their State of Origin and we’re continuing to expand our content by complementing Nine’s existing broadcast, digital, print and radio assets to provide even more value to our audiences and partners.”

EPISODE LIST AND RELEASE DATES

• Origin is Born – Paul Vautin, Wally Lewis and Chris Close
  Friday 13 May
• The Champions – Cameron Smith and Andrew Johns
  Monday 16 May
• The Dynasty – Paul Gallen, Darren Lockyer and Greg Inglis
  Thursday 19 May
• The Heartbeat of the Blues – Gus Gould
  Monday 23 May
• The Match Winners – Johnathan Thurston and Ricky Stuart
  Thursday 26 May
• The Greatest Upset – Paul Vautin, Wally Lewis and Ben Ikin
  Monday 30 May
• Inside Camp Blue – Brad Fittler
  Thursday 2 June
• The Modern Maroons – Billy Slater
  Monday 6 June

Podcast Available on 9Podcasts, Spotify, Apple and Google 

TV & 9NOW 
STATE OF ORIGIN GAME I – NSW v QLD: Wednesday June 8 – LIVE from Accor Stadium, Sydney. Shown Live and Exclusive on Nine and 9Now.

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO PREVIEW

CLICK HERE FOR TALENT INTERVIEWS

For further information please contact Channel 9 Publicity: 
Ryley McKay
ryley.mckay@nine.com.au

Tuesday, May 10, 2022