Former New South Wales Origin player Michael De Vere has opened up about that iconic photo from the 2003 State of Origin series.

He revealed to Salty, he almost didn’t make the cut to join the team following a bout of food poisoning after some injuries.

“It hurt worse off the field when I came off after the game, and I had to get them taken out when I cooled down; that was actually more painful,” he said.

Hear more highlights from Peter Psaltis below.

Image: Getty Images/Darren England.

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