The History of State of Origin

The History of State of Origin 

The State of Origin series is one of the biggest and most passionate rivalries in Australian sport. Each year, Queensland and New South Wales battle it out in a best-of-three rugby league series that has captivated fans since its inception. But how did this legendary competition come to be? Let's take a look at its history.

The Origins of State of Origin

Before the official State of Origin format, interstate rugby league clashes between Queensland and New South Wales were often dominated by the Blues. This was largely due to the fact that the best Queensland players were playing for New South Wales-based clubs in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition. Since selection was based on where a player was currently playing rather than their state of birth, the Maroons struggled to field competitive teams.

The idea of a true State of Origin format (where players represented the state they first played senior rugby league in) was floated for years but finally became a reality in 1980. That year, Queensland and New South Wales played a one-off match at Lang Park (now Suncorp Stadium) under the new eligibility rules. The Maroons, led by Arthur Beetson, secured a famous victory, proving that a true Origin concept could level the playing field.

The Growth of an Iconic Rivalry

Following the success of the 1980 clash, the State of Origin format was officially adopted as a three-game series from 1982 onwards. From then on, the competition grew rapidly in popularity, becoming a cultural phenomenon. The intense physicality, dramatic moments, and fierce pride displayed by both teams cemented the series as must-watch television.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the battles between legendary players like Wally Lewis, Mal Meninga, Allan Langer, Brad Fittler, and Andrew Johns fueled the rivalry. Queensland and New South Wales traded periods of dominance, with matches often going down to the wire.

The series has provided countless unforgettable moments, including Mark Coyne’s last-minute miracle try in 1994, Allan Langer’s shock return from the UK to lead Queensland to victory in 2001, and Darren Lockyer’s intercept try in 2006 that ended New South Wales’ dominance and kicked off Queensland’s legendary eight-year winning streak.