Off-field it was the year from hell – but the NRL found redemption in a season that culminated in 'the finals series of the decade.'
Queensland made history to claim four straight Origin Series wins. Heavily influenced by the backline flair of Greg Inglis, Billy Slater and Johnathan Thurston, the Maroons won the first two games before the Blues spoilt the party in Origin III.
The tussle for a spot in the finals had never been so intense.
St George-Illawarra became the first minor premiers eliminated from the top eight since 2003. While Parramatta, off the back of a seven-game winning streak and the form of Jarryd Hayne, were the first team under the McIntyre system to make the grand final from eighth.
Parramatta's luck ran out against a Melbourne outfit playing in their fourth consecutive decider.
