The State of Origin series is an annual rugby league event that takes place in Australia. It is a three-game series played between two of the country’s biggest states, New South Wales and Queensland. The games are played under the rules of the National Rugby League (NRL) and feature some of the best rugby league players in the world.
The State of Origin series is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in Australia. It is a fierce rivalry between the two states, with each team representing their state with pride. The series has a long and storied history, dating back to 1980, and has become an integral part of Australian sporting culture. The series is known for its intense physicality and passionate fans, making it a must-watch event for rugby league fans around the world.
History
The State of Origin series is an annual rugby league event that takes place in Australia. It is a three-game series played between two of the country’s biggest states, New South Wales and Queensland. The games are played under the rules of the National Rugby League (NRL) and feature some of the best rugby league players in the world.
Origins
The State of Origin series was first played in 1980 as a one-off game between New South Wales and Queensland. The game was played as an experiment to boost the popularity of rugby league in Australia. The game was a huge success, and the concept was expanded to a three-game series in 1982.
Evolution
Over the years, the State of Origin series has become one of the most popular sporting events in Australia. The games are fiercely contested, and the rivalry between the two states is intense. The series has produced some of the greatest moments in rugby league history, and some of the game’s greatest players have played in the series.
The Queensland Maroons have been the dominant team in the State of Origin series, winning 22 series compared to New South Wales’ 16. Some of the greatest players in the game have played for Queensland, including Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, and Darren Lockyer. New South Wales has also had some great players, including Brad Fittler.
The State of Origin series has also expanded to include a female series, which was first played in 2018. The female series has been a huge success, and it has helped to further promote the game of rugby league in Australia.
Overall, the State of Origin series has become an integral part of Australian sporting culture, and it is a must-see event for any rugby league fan.
Format
The State of Origin Series is an annual best-of-three rugby league series between two Australian state representative sides: New South Wales and Queensland. The series has been held every year since 1982, with the exception of 1987 when there was a Rugby World Cup.
Three Games
Each year, three games are played between the two teams. The first game is usually held in late May or early June, the second game in late June or early July, and the third game in mid-July. The team that wins two out of the three games is declared the series winner.
Wednesday Night
In recent years, the State of Origin Series has been played on Wednesday nights. This allows players to return to their club teams for weekend matches. The Wednesday night format has been successful, with large crowds attending the games and high TV ratings.
Venues
The State of Origin Series is played at various venues around Australia. Some of the most popular venues include Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Stadium Australia in Sydney, Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. In 2023, the series opener will be held at Adelaide Oval on May 31.
Here are the venues for the 2023 State of Origin Series:
| Game | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 31 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
| 2 | June 14 | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane |
| 3 | July 5 | Optus Stadium, Perth |
The choice of venue for each game is based on a variety of factors, including the size of the stadium, the location, and the availability of facilities. The State of Origin Series is a highly anticipated event in Australia, with fans from both states eagerly anticipating each game.
Eligibility Rules
The State of Origin series has unique eligibility rules that make it different from other rugby league competitions. Players are only allowed to represent the state in which they first played rugby league, regardless of where they were born. This has led to some players representing a state that is not their place of birth, which has added to the rivalry between the two states.
To be eligible for the State of Origin, a player must meet certain criteria. The player must have played rugby league in the state they wish to represent before turning 13 years old. This is to ensure that players have a strong connection to their home state and have grown up playing rugby league in that state.
Players must also be eligible to play for Australia and have not represented another Tier 1 Nation at Senior Level (England/New Zealand). This means that players who have played for other countries such as Tonga, Samoa or Fiji are still eligible to play for the State of Origin.
The eligibility rules have been the subject of much debate over the years, with some arguing that they should be changed to allow players to represent the state they feel the strongest connection to, regardless of where they first played rugby league. However, the current rules ensure that the State of Origin remains a fiercely contested competition between New South Wales and Queensland, with players representing their home state with pride.
In summary, the eligibility rules for the State of Origin series are unique and designed to ensure that players have a strong connection to their home state. Players must have played rugby league in the state they wish to represent before turning 13 years old, and must be eligible to play for Australia and have not represented another Tier 1 Nation at Senior Level (England/New Zealand). These rules have helped to make the State of Origin one of Australia’s premier sporting events, attracting huge television audiences and usually selling out the stadiums in which it is played.
Rivalry
The State of Origin series is known for its fierce rivalry between the two Australian state representative sides, the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons. The rivalry between the two teams is considered one of the biggest in Australian sports history, and it is deeply ingrained in the culture of both states.
The rivalry began in 1980 when the first State of Origin game was played, and it has only intensified since then. The two teams have faced each other in over 100 matches, and the series has been won by both teams almost equally. The games are known for their physicality, intensity, and high stakes, with players putting their bodies on the line to secure victory for their state.
The rivalry between the Blues and the Maroons is not just limited to the players on the field. It extends to the fans, who are just as passionate about their team winning. The games are played in packed stadiums, with fans decked out in their team’s colours and cheering their team on with all their might. The atmosphere is electric, and the energy in the stadium is palpable.
The rivalry between the two teams has also led to some memorable moments over the years. From last-minute tries to game-winning field goals, the State of Origin series has produced some of the most exciting moments in Australian sports history. It has also produced some of the most controversial moments, with players and coaches alike being criticised for their actions on and off the field.
Overall, the rivalry between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons is what makes the State of Origin series so special. It is a rivalry that is deeply ingrained in the culture of both states, and it is one that will continue to be fiercely contested for years to come.
Game Analysis
Game 1
The first game of the 2023 State of Origin series was held on May 31, 2023, at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. The New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons faced off in what was expected to be a closely contested match. The match was officiated by a team of referees who ensured that the game was played fairly.
The New South Wales Blues were led by Tom Trbojevic, who had been in excellent form leading up to the game. However, the Queensland Maroons were not to be underestimated, and they put up a strong fight. The game was a closely contested affair, with both teams showing excellent defensive skills. In the end, it was the New South Wales Blues who emerged victorious, winning the game 18-14.
Game 2
The second game of the series was held on June 14, 2023, at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The New South Wales Blues were looking to build on their victory in the first game, while the Queensland Maroons were looking to bounce back. The game was broadcasted live on various platforms, including Setanta Sports, Sky, Fox, and ABC.
The New South Wales Blues got off to a flying start, with Jack Reardon scoring an early try. However, the Queensland Maroons were not to be outdone, and they fought back strongly. The game was a closely contested affair, with both teams showing excellent attacking skills. In the end, it was the Queensland Maroons who emerged victorious, winning the game 24-18.
Game 3
The third and final game of the series was held on June 28, 2023, at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The series was tied at 1-1, and both teams were looking to win the game and the series. The match was broadcasted live on various platforms, including Setanta Sports, Sky, Fox, and ABC.
The game was a closely contested affair, with both teams showing excellent skills. The Queensland Maroons got off to a flying start, with their attacking prowess on full display. The New South Wales Blues fought back strongly, but they were unable to match the Queensland Maroons’ intensity. In the end, it was the Queensland Maroons who emerged victorious, winning the game 28-16 and clinching the series.
Overall, the 2023 State of Origin series was a closely contested affair, with both teams showing excellent skills. The referees did an excellent job of ensuring that the game was played fairly, and the fans were treated to some excellent rugby league action.
Revenue and Broadcasting
The State of Origin series is a significant event in the Australian sporting calendar, and it generates substantial revenue for the National Rugby League (NRL) and its broadcasters. The following paragraphs will explore the financial aspects of the series, including revenue and broadcasting.
Revenue
The State of Origin series is one of the most lucrative sporting events in Australia, with the NRL earning millions of dollars in revenue each year. In 2021, the NRL earned over $20 million in ticket revenue alone, despite a substantial increase in ticket prices compared to the previous year. Additionally, the NRL receives 100% of the sponsorship deal with Holden as the State of Origin series naming rights partner.
The revenue generated by the State of Origin series is not limited to the NRL. Local businesses and the tourism industry also benefit from the influx of visitors during the series. For example, in 2019, the State of Origin series generated $15 million in revenue for the Queensland economy alone.
Broadcasting
The State of Origin series is broadcast on free-to-air and subscription television in Australia. The series attracts a large audience, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the games each year. In 2020, the State of Origin series concluded with 1.882 million metro viewers, making it the highest-rated program of the night.
The broadcasting rights for the State of Origin series are highly sought after, and the NRL has secured a significant deal with broadcasters. In 2017, the NRL signed a five-year, $1.8 billion deal with broadcasters Foxtel and Channel Nine for the broadcasting rights to the NRL and the State of Origin series.
The broadcasting deal has been a significant source of revenue for the NRL, and it has allowed the league to invest in grassroots rugby league and other initiatives.
In conclusion, the State of Origin series is a significant revenue generator for the NRL and its broadcasters. The series attracts a large audience, and the broadcasting rights are highly sought after. The revenue generated by the series benefits not only the NRL but also local businesses and the tourism industry.
Conclusion
The State of Origin Series is an annual rugby league event that takes place in Australia. It is a three-game series played between two of the country’s biggest states, New South Wales and Queensland. The games are played under the rules of the National Rugby League (NRL) and feature some of the best rugby league players in the world.
Over the years, the State of Origin Series has been a source of intense rivalry and competition between the two states. The series has seen some incredible moments, including ties and record-breaking performances. In 1999, the series ended in a tie with a final score of 10-10, while New South Wales holds the record for the most points in a series after bagging 146 back in 2000.
The success of the State of Origin Series can be attributed to its ability to bring together some of the best players in the world and showcase their skills in a highly competitive environment. The series has also been instrumental in promoting rugby league in Australia and attracting new fans to the sport.
In 1987, a State of Origin match took place in Long Beach, California, making it the only game to have ever been held outside of Australia. This highlights the global appeal of the series and its ability to attract fans from all over the world.
In conclusion, the State of Origin Series is a highly anticipated event in the rugby league calendar, bringing together some of the best players in the world and showcasing their skills in a highly competitive environment. The series has seen some incredible moments, including ties and record-breaking performances, and has been instrumental in promoting rugby league in Australia and around the world.
