State of Origin Rugby League

The Rugby League State of Origin is an annual series of rugby league matches between the Maroons, representing the state of Queensland, and the Blues, representing the state of New South Wales. The State of Origin series is one of Australia's and the region's top sporting events, attracting a huge television audience and usually selling out the stadiums used. State of Origin series have a reputation as the toughest, hardest-fought rugby league matches played anywhere in the world, although some in the Super League would disagree.

Eligibility Rules

Under State of Origin rules players are selected for the state in which they first played senior (or registered) rugby league. Players must also be eligible to represent Australia at international level. The contest is a best-of-three match series and is played around the middle of the rugby league season.

First match 1980

The State of origin first game was played in 1980, at this time a single match was played, the contest changing to the three match contest in 1982. To date Queensland have won 16 challenges and New South Wales 12. Queensland won the 2007 series 2-1, winning the first two games. New South Wales avoided the whitewash by winning the third match held at Suncorp Stadium.