For 40 years, the finest players Queensland and NSW have to offer have squared off in a battle for State of Origin supremacy. From Immortals Beetson, Lewis, Johns and Meninga to all-time greats Lockyer, Thurston, Smith, Slater, Fittler and Daley, the roll call of Origin legends reads like a who's who of rugby league. Former Rugby League Week editor and author of '110 Years of Rugby League' Martin Lenehan unlocks the secret of what makes Origin so special and gets the inside story from the men who made the magic happen.

This magnificent 224-page tribute showcases the great games and great names that have made State of Origin compelling viewing from the moment Big Artie and Tommy Raudonikis lit up Lang Park way back in 1980. Four decades of passion, pride and pulsating contests are brought to life in '40 Years of Origin' - from Mark Coyne's try for the ages in 1994 to the Geyer v Lewis showdown in 1991 and the Maroons' eight-year dynasty; from Alfie and Joey's comebacks to Freddy and Locky's emotional farewells.

Featuring more than 150 incredible images and classic tales from the likes of Wally Lewis, Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston, Steve Roach and Bill Harrigan, '40 Years of Origin' is the ultimate tribute to rugby league's showpiece event.