35 Facts About State Of Origin

What is State of Origin?

State of Origin is a series of annual rugby league matches between two Australian state representative teams: New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD). The rivalry is intense, and the games are often described as some of the toughest in the sport. Here are some fascinating facts about this iconic series.

1. Origin of the Name: The term “State of Origin” refers to the players’ state of origin, not where they currently play. This rule was introduced to ensure players represented their home state.
2. First Match: The first official State of Origin match took place on July 8, 1980, at Lang Park in Brisbane. Queensland won 20-10.
3. Annual Event: The series is held annually, usually in mid-year, and consists of three matches.
4. Maroons vs. Blues: Queensland’s team is known as the Maroons, while New South Wales’ team is called the Blues, based on their respective jersey colors.
5. Trophy: The winning team receives the State of Origin Shield, a symbol of supremacy in Australian rugby league.

Historical Highlights

The State of Origin series has a rich history filled with memorable moments and legendary players. Let’s dive into some historical highlights.

6. Wally Lewis: Known as the “King of Origin,” Wally Lewis is one of the most iconic players in the series’ history, representing Queensland from 1980 to 1991.
7. First Series Win: Queensland won the first-ever State of Origin series in 1982, setting the stage for a fierce rivalry.
8. Record Attendance: The highest attendance for a State of Origin match was 91,513 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2015.
9. Longest Winning Streak: Queensland holds the record for the longest winning streak, securing eight consecutive series wins from 2006 to 2013.
10. First Female Referee: Belinda Sharpe became the first female referee in State of Origin history in 2019.

Memorable Matches

Some matches stand out more than others due to their intensity, drama, or sheer brilliance. Here are a few that have left a lasting impression.

11. 1989 Game 2: Known as the “Miracle Match,” Queensland won despite having several injured players, showcasing their resilience.
12. 1994 Game 1: Mark Coyne’s last-minute try for Queensland is often referred to as “The Miracle Try.
13. 2000 Game 3: New South Wales’ 56-16 victory remains the largest winning margin in State of Origin history.
14. 2006 Game 3: Darren Lockyer’s intercept try secured Queensland’s first series win in four years, starting their record-winning streak.
15. 2014 Game 2: New South Wales ended Queensland’s eight-year dominance with a 6-4 win, clinching the series.

Player Milestones

Many players have achieved significant milestones in the State of Origin series, cementing their legacy in rugby league history.

16. Most Appearances: Cameron Smith holds the record for the most appearances, playing 42 matches for Queensland.
17. Top Try Scorer: Greg Inglis is the top try scorer in State of Origin history, with 18 tries for Queensland.
18. Most Points: Johnathan Thurston has scored the most points in the series, amassing 220 points for Queensland.
19. Youngest Player: Ben Ikin became the youngest player to debut in State of Origin at 18 years and 83 days in 1995.
20. Oldest Player: Petero Civoniceva holds the record as the oldest player, appearing at 36 years and 53 days in 2012.

Controversies and Drama

State of Origin is not just about the game; it’s also about the drama and controversies that add to its allure.

21. 1995 Super League War: During the Super League war, many top players were ineligible, leading to a series dominated by lesser-known players.
22. 2009 Brawl: A massive brawl erupted in Game 3 of the 2009 series, resulting in multiple players being sent off.
23. 2012 Shoulder Charge: Greg Inglis’ controversial shoulder charge on Dean Young in Game 1 of 2012 sparked debates about the legality of such tackles.
24. 2018 Coaching Drama: Kevin Walters’ decision to ban media interviews for Queensland players during the 2018 series caused a stir.
25. 2020 COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic forced the series to be played in November for the first time, with Queensland emerging victorious.

Fun Facts

Beyond the intense competition, there are some fun and quirky facts about State of Origin that fans love.

26. Mascots: Queensland’s mascot is a cane toad, while New South Wales’ mascot is a cockroach, reflecting the playful banter between the states.
27. Origin Songs: Each state has its own Origin song, with Queensland’s “Simply the Best” by Tina Turner being particularly iconic.
28. Celebrity Fans: Hugh Jackman, an avid rugby league fan, has been spotted at several State of Origin matches supporting New South Wales.
29. Charity Work: Both teams often engage in charity work, raising funds for various causes during the series.
30. Cultural Impact: The series has inspired books, documentaries, and even a feature film, highlighting its cultural significance.

Modern Era

The State of Origin series continues to evolve, with new records being set and new stars emerging.

31. Women’s State of Origin: The Women’s State of Origin series began in 2018, providing a platform for female rugby league players.
32. Digital Engagement: The series has a massive online following, with millions of fans engaging on social media platforms.
33. Global Audience: State of Origin matches are broadcast in over 90 countries, showcasing the global appeal of the series.
34. Innovations: Technological advancements, such as video referees and player tracking, have been integrated into the series to enhance the viewing experience.
35. Future Stars: Young talents like Kalyn Ponga and Nathan Cleary are expected to become the new faces of State of Origin, continuing the legacy of this iconic series.

Final Whistle

State of Origin isn’t just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. From its humble beginnings in 1980, it has grown into one of the most anticipated events in Australian sports. The fierce rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland brings out the best in players and fans alike. With memorable moments, legendary players, and nail-biting finishes, it’s no wonder millions tune in every year.

The series has not only showcased incredible athleticism but also fostered a sense of community and state pride. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, there’s something magical about watching these titans clash on the field. So next time you catch a game, remember the rich history and passion behind every tackle and try. State of Origin is more than a match; it’s a testament to the spirit of rugby league.