Grant Denyer has stunned friends and fans after sharing a series of throwback pictures that reveal the TV veteran’s ‘hidden past’ with the NRL’s State of Origin.
The 46-year-old Deal or No Deal host acted as a ball boy during the notorious clash between the Blues and Maroons at the MCG in 1995.
The bloody match collapsed into an all-in brawl just minutes after kick off, and has since gone on to become known as one of the most memorable games in the history of the game.
A series of pictures show a barely recognisable 16-year-old Grant in a pair of snug fitting shorts about to run out on the field.
Another photo shows the fresh-faced blond on the sidelines in his ball boy uniform watching on as referee called a play after a tackle during another game in the series.
Grant posted the photos to his Instagram ahead of NSW’s stunning State of Origin win over Brisbane in Melbourne on Wednesday.
‘Absolutely insane experience being chosen as a ball boy and being there for the last big all-in brawl in the sport,’ Grant wrote in the caption.
Grant Denyer has stunned fans after sharing a series of throwback pictures that reveal the TV veteran’s ‘hidden past’ with the NRL’s State of Origin
‘It was wild,’ he continued.
‘You could feel the tension in the rooms with the players before the game and there were whispers of it kicking off early… and within 4 minutes of the 2nd game of the series , it just exploded! it was huge.
‘The sound of bodies on bodies was deafening, it was crazy!’
The 46-year-old Deal or No Deal host acted as a ball boy during the notorious clash between the Blues and Maroons at the MCG in 1995.Pictured: Grant is seen on the sideline, far right, during one match in the series
Queensland ended the game victors against NSW, and went on to clinch the series in 1995.
Grant added he had ball boy duties during three State of Origin games and two international tests in the 90s.
He signed off his post with a tribute to his selectors for his amazing experience, which he said inspired him to try car racing.
A series of pictures show a barely recognisable 16-year-old Grant in a pair of snug fitting shorts about to run out on the field
‘Acknowledge young kids, give them opportunities and it can really change lives,’ he said.
Followers gushed over the share.
‘Holy s*** bro, that’s all time,’ posted the Bachelor’s Osher Günsberg.
Meanwhile, another fans teased Grant about his teenage looks.
‘Have you still got those shorts? Asking for a friend,’ joked one follower, while another posted: ‘Haven’t changed a bit.’
Meanwhile, wife Chezzi appeared to be impressed with husband’s shapely legs.
‘Wowie legs 11,’ she said on Grant’s message board.
It comes after the former Seven stalwart expressed ‘surprise’ the creators of the new Top Gear never asked him to audition for the famed motoring show.
The Deal or No Deal host, who is widely know for his motor racing skills, admitted he would have loved to be have been asked to appear on the popular life style series, which is currently streaming on Paramount+.
‘It would be fun,’ Grant said in an interview with TV Tonight.
The former TV weatherman added he was envious of new hosts of the rebooted fan favourite, which features Beau Ryan, Jonathan LaPaglia and Blair Joscelyne.
Grant’s wife Chezzi appeared to be impressed with husband’s shapely legs
‘I get so jealous when I see all the clips of them in exotic places around the world driving incredible pieces of machinery,’ he said.
During the interview, Grant speculated a gig on Top Gear may have clashed with his filming Deal or No Deal.
The Dancing With the Stars winner was announced as the new host of Channel 10’s Deal or No Deal reboot back in October 2023.
The game show was originally screened on Channel Seven and hosted by Andrew O’Keefe before it was axed in 2014, after running for a decade.
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