View source for State of Origin series

{{short description|Annual Australian rugby league series}}
{{For|the Australian rules football version|State of Origin (Australian rules football)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox rugby league football competition
| name           = State of Origin
| current_season = 2025 State of Origin series
| logo           = State_of_Origin_Logo_2020.png
| seasontag      = Current series
| inaugural      = [[1982 State of Origin series|1982]]
| teams          = 2
| countrytag     = [[States and territories of Australia|Country]]
| country        = {{AUS}}

| championtag    = Holder
| champion       = {{leagueicon|New South Wales|16}} [[New South Wales rugby league team|New South Wales]]
| season = [[2024 State of Origin series|2024]] men

| champion2 = {{leagueicon|New South Wales|16}} [[New South Wales women's rugby league team|New South Wales]]
| season2 = [[2025 Women's State of Origin|2025]] women

| most_champs_label = Total wins

| most_champs  = [[New South Wales rugby league team|New South Wales]] mens
| count          = 17

| most_champs2 = [[Queensland rugby league team|Queensland]] mens
| count2 = 24

| most_champs3 = [[New South Wales women's rugby league team|New South Wales]] womens
| count3 = 5

| most_champs4 = [[Queensland women's rugby league team|Queensland]] womens
| count4 = 19

| TV = [[Nine Network]] 
| related_comps = [[Interstate Rugby League in Australia (1908–1981)|Interstate series (1908–81)]]
| related_comps2 = [[City vs Country Origin]]
| related_comps3 = [[Rugby League War of the Roses]]
| website = {{URL | https://www.nrl.com/ | NRL website}}
}}

The '''State of Origin series''' is an annual best-of-three [[rugby league]] series between two [[States and territories of Australia|Australian state]] representative sides, the [[New South Wales rugby league team|New South Wales Blues]] and the [[Queensland rugby league team|Queensland Maroons]].<ref>{{Cite book|author1=Melissa Jane Johnson Morgan  |author2=Jane Summers |name-list-style=amp |title = Sports Marketing|publisher=Thomson Learning Nelson|year = 2005|page = 8|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=R-Kn3jVW39gC|isbn = 9780170128599}}</ref>

Referred to as "Australian sport's greatest rivalry",<ref>{{cite news |title=The countdown is on to sport's greatest rivalry! |url=http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news-display/The-countdown-is-on-to-sports-greatest-rivalry/53567 |access-date=17 October 2012 |newspaper=melbournestorm.com |date=9 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513001652/http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news-display/The-countdown-is-on-to-sports-greatest-rivalry/53567 |archive-date=13 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last = Tasker|first = Norman|title = State of Origin: twenty-five years of sport's greatest rivalry|publisher={{sic|Play|right|hide=y}} Publishing|year = 2005|location = [[Caringbah, New South Wales]]|isbn = 0949853933}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Rep season officially launched |url=http://www.sportsaustralia.com/articles/apr06/artid5371.html |access-date=17 October 2012 |newspaper=sportsaustralia.com |date=5 April 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501105655/http://sportsaustralia.com/articles/apr06/artid5371.html |archive-date=1 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Eye of the storm|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/eye-of-the-storm/2006/06/22/1150845312408.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|access-date=17 October 2012|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=23 June 2006}}</ref> the State of Origin series is one of Australia's premier sporting events, attracting huge television audiences and usually selling out the stadiums in which the games are played.<ref>{{Cite book|last1 = Ashworth|first1 = Susie|last2 = Smitz|first2 = Paul|last3 = Bain|first3 = Carolyn|last4 = Bedford|first4 = Neal|title = Australia|publisher=Lonely Planet|year = 2004|page = 132|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Bq0eVvyvK7MC&q=tuqiri|isbn = 9781740594479}}</ref> It is regularly described as the pinnacle of rugby league, inclusive of comparisons with international competitions.<ref>{{Cite book|last = Harms|first = John|title = The Pearl: Steve Renouf's Story|publisher=[[University of Queensland]] Press|year = 2005|location = Australia|page = 105|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=OFE2EZ7JyEkC|isbn = 9780702235368}}
</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Webster |first=Andrew |title=A few drinks with Ray Warren |work=Inside Sport |place=Australia |publisher=insidesport.com.au |date=April 2004 |url=http://www.insidesport.com.au/is/index?pg=adrenalin&spg=drinks/drinks_ray_warren.htm |access-date=3 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090920141012/http://www.insidesport.com.au/is/index?pg=adrenalin&spg=drinks%2Fdrinks_ray_warren.htm |archive-date=20 September 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|author1 = Vanessa Battersby|author2 = Paul Smitz|author3 = Barry Blake|title = Australian language & culture|publisher = Lonely Planet|year = 2007|page = [https://archive.org/details/australianlangua0000unse/page/83 83]|url = https://archive.org/details/australianlangua0000unse/page/83|isbn = 9781740590990|url-access = registration}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last = Mackay|first = Jamie|title = State of Origin in league of its own|work=[[The Southland Times]]|publisher=Fairfax New Zealand Limited|date = 17 July 2009|url = http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/columns/mackays-the-limit/2601445/State-of-Origin-in-league-of-its-own|access-date =9 October 2009}}</ref>

Players are selected to represent the Australian state in which they played their first senior rugby league game (either high school or local senior club). Before 1980 players were only selected for interstate matches based on where they were playing their club football at the time. Queensland was not generally competitive under these selection rules, with a total record of 54 wins, 8 draws, and 159 losses, as their smaller economy and ban on poker machines meant that leagues clubs could not compete and the vast majority of elite players ended up playing in the much richer [[New South Wales Rugby League Premiership|Sydney Rugby League premiership]].

In both 1980 and 1981, there were two interstate matches under the old selection rules and one experimental "State of Origin" match. From 1982 onwards a best-of-three match series has been played around the middle of the rugby league season for the State of Origin shield. During the early years the overall series results remained relatively even, but Queensland surged ahead between 2006 and 2017, winning 11 out of 12 series, including a record eight series in a row.

==Teams==
Since the 1908 establishment of [[rugby league in Australia]], the sport's two major states, [[New South Wales rugby league team|New South Wales]] and [[Queensland rugby league team|Queensland]], have played representative matches against each other which have continued into the "state of origin" era which began in 1980. The two states' teams are frequently referred to as the Blues and Maroons, reflecting the respective colours of their jerseys. These were the colours of the [[Australia national rugby league team]]'s jersey until the adoption of the green and gold. The Blues team is administered by the [[New South Wales Rugby League]] and the Maroons by the [[Queensland Rugby League]]. The New South Wales team are sometimes referred to by the nickname "[[Cockroach]]es" and the Queensland team as "[[cane toad|Cane Toads]]"{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}, due to names given to them by Barry Muir and Johnny Raper respectively. It was reinforced by a marketing campaign used in the 1980s where the respective teams were caricatured as such.

While other Australian states and territories also have representative rugby league teams,<ref>{{cite news|title=WA State Champions|url=https://nrlwa.com.au/wa-state-champions/|website=nrlwwa.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=NT Titans Senior Men's Team|url=https://www.nrlnt.com.au/nt-titans-senior-men-s-team|website=nrlnt.com.au}}</ref> they have not competed in the State of Origin.

==History==

===Interstate rugby league before 1980===
{{Main|Interstate Rugby League in Australia (1908–1981)}}

The first calls for a state of origin selection policy in interstate [[rugby football]] came before the schism between the union and league codes eventuated in Australia. In 1900, a journalist known as 'The Cynic' wrote in ''The Referee'' that star rugby player and recent immigrant to Queensland, Stephen Spragg, should be able to play for his home state of [[New South Wales]].{{ref|ref-originoforigin}}

Since the beginning of Australian rugby league in 1908, an interstate competition between [[New South Wales]] and [[Queensland]] has been conducted almost annually (apart from during WWI, Spanish flu and WWII). Until 1982 each team drew its players from the clubs based in that state. No consideration was given to the origins of the players themselves.{{ref|ref-rugreb}}

The [[1908 Interstate rugby league series|first of these interstate games]] was played at [[Sydney Showground (Moore Park)|Sydney's Agricultural Ground]] on 11 July 1908, before Queensland had even commenced its club competition. New South Wales easily accounted for Queensland in a 43–0 victory. The local media were unimpressed.

{{blockquote|There can be no doubt the NSW men are improving a good deal... They cannot be blamed for the farce, for it was nothing else. If the Australian team depends on Queenslanders to strengthen it, one is afraid it will be found wanting. They are quite the weakest lot of footballers I have even seen come down from Queensland. The play needs no detailed description as it was simply a practice match for NSW, and certainly did not advantageously advertise the new game.|source=''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'', 13 July 1908{{ref|ref-rugref}}}}

The interstate series was dominated by New South Wales, apart from a golden period for Queensland in the 1920s. From 1922 to 1925 Queensland defeated New South Wales 11 times in 12 matches. At the end of the 1925 season, a [[Australian national rugby league team|Kangaroo]] team was to be picked for touring Great Britain. Instead of announcing an Australian team dominated by Queenslanders, the [[Australian Rugby League|Australian Rugby League Board of Control]] informed the media that the [[Rugby Football League]] had decided that the [[New Zealand national rugby league team|Kiwis]] would provide stronger opposition and that there would be no Australian tour.{{ref|ref-gallaway}} The period spanning 1922 to 1929 saw no Australian team play in Great Britain, the only such hiatus outside the two World Wars.{{ref|ref-broncos}}

The New South Wales dominance of interstate football increased after 1956 when gaming machines were legalised for all registered clubs in New South Wales. This provided New South Wales football clubs with a revenue source unmatched by Queensland clubs. From this time on an increasing number of Queensland players moved to the much stronger [[NSWRFL premiership|Sydney Rugby League competition]], which then made them ineligible to play for Queensland in state selection. [[Paul Hogan]] famously told a Queensland Rugby League gathering in 1977 that "every time Queensland produces a good footballer, he finishes up being processed through a New South Wales poker machine."{{ref|ref-gallaway}}

Before 1956, NSW had won 75% and Qld only 25% of series played. From 1956 to 1981, NSW dominance soared even higher and Qld wins dwindled to only 3.8% with only 1 series win, in 1959.

===Conception of State of Origin football===
By the 1970s the prestige of interstate matches had been seriously downgraded, in most part due to the fact that a number of Queensland players signed to NSW clubs could not unseat the NSW incumbent and also were not eligible for Queensland selection, so they did not play at all. Matches were played mid-week, so as not to interfere with the Sydney club competition, and the small crowds in New South Wales were hosted at suburban grounds.<ref name=WIP>{{Cite book
 |last        = Middleton
 |first       = David
 |title       = League of Legends: 100 Years of Rugby League in Australia
 |publisher   = National Museum of Australia
 |year        = 2008
 |page        = 27
 |url         = http://www.nma.gov.au/shared/libraries/attachments/league_of_legends/rugby_league_a_work_in_progress/files/22453/F_RL_work_in_progress.pdf
 |isbn        = 9781876944643
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110317093000/http://www.nma.gov.au/shared/libraries/attachments/league_of_legends/rugby_league_a_work_in_progress/files/22453/F_RL_work_in_progress.pdf
 |archive-date = 17 March 2011
}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080807042307/http://www.nma.gov.au/shared/libraries/attachments/league_of_legends/rugby_league_a_work_in_progress/files/22453/F_RL_work_in_progress.pdf |date=7 August 2008 }}</ref> Interstate football reached its nadir in 1977 when the [[New South Wales Rugby Football League]] (NSWRFL) declined to host the Queensland team, and both interstate games were played in Queensland.{{ref|ref-gallaway}}

Former Queensland captain and Australian vice-captain [[Jack Reardon]], who had later become a journalist, was the first to suggest that Sydney-based Queenslanders should be available for selection to represent their state.<ref>{{Cite book  | last = Gallaway  | first = Jack  | title = Origin: Rugby League's greatest contest 1980–2002  | publisher=[[University of Queensland]] Press  | year = 2003  | location = Australia  | pages = xi  | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=3nDbsx3Hk7QC  | isbn = 9780702233838}}</ref>

[[The Courier-Mail|Brisbane ''Courier-Mail'']] reporter [[Hugh Lunn]], [[Barry Maranta]] (the future co-founder of the [[Brisbane Broncos]]) {{ref|ref-originwebsite}} and Maranta's business partner [[Wayne Reid]] played a part in persuading QRL chairman [[Ron McAullife]] that the concept could be used in rugby league.{{ref|ref-crikey}} Lunn told McAullife that "you can take the Queenslander out of Queensland, Ron, but you can't take the Queensland out of the Queenslander."{{ref|ref-gallaway}} McAuliffe was initially skeptical. "What if we recall our boys from Sydney to play, and we are beaten. Where would we go from there?" Reid spoke to NSWRFL president [[Kevin Humphreys (rugby league)|Kevin Humphreys]] and suggested that a one-off state of origin match could be used as a Test Match selection trial. {{ref|ref-gallaway}}

New South Wales clubs were reticent in their support of the concept and set two conditions:
* If the third game was to decide the series it was not to act as a selection trial, and also, 
* that the expatriate Queenslanders would be under the supervision of a representative of the NSWRFL whose duty it would be to protect the interests of both the NSWRFL and the clubs to which they were contracted. (From 1980 this role was filled by Bob Abbott, a [[Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks]] official.)

Three Sydney clubs remained opposed to the plan: [[St. George Dragons]], [[South Sydney Rabbitohs]] and [[Sydney Roosters|Eastern Suburbs Roosters]]. As these clubs were refusing to release players, Humphreys threatened to make the game an official [[Australian Rugby League]] trial, which would make release mandatory. The clubs backed down.{{ref|ref-mcgregor}}

===Experimentation===
{{see also|1980 State of Origin game|1981 State of Origin game}}
After Queensland lost the first two interstate matches in 1980 (35–3 and 17–7, the second game in front of only 1,638 Sydneysiders) it was announced that [[1980 State of Origin match|a 'state of origin' match]] would take place on 8 July at [[Lang Park]] in Brisbane. The [[New South Wales]] media gave both the event and Queensland's chance of winning it little credence, calling the game a "three-day wonder". Australia's 1978 captain [[Bob Fulton]] called the match "the non-event of the century". Ron MacAullife, however, was now committed to the concept and vigorously promoted the match. Thousands of tickets were sold before the game had been officially sanctioned. Although interstate matches in Brisbane had still been well attended (24,653 had attended the opening match of the 1979 series), few expected the sell-out crowd of 33,210 Queensland rugby league fans, delighted to see their heroes in the likes of Arthur Beetson representing their home state for the first time. Queensland convincingly beat New South Wales 20–10.{{ref|ref-firstorigin}}
{{Blockquote|I was strongly against such a match, but last night's gripping clash showed that such a fixture would be a welcome addition to the League program.<ref>{{Cite news
  | last = Clarkson
  | first = Alan
  | title = Football lessons by Maroons
  | newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]
  | page = 48
  | date = 10 July 1980
  | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2IARAAAAIBAJ&pg=2406,2937858&dq=state-of-origin&hl=en
  | access-date =6 October 2009}}</ref>|Alan Clarkson, journalist for ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'', 6 October 1980}}

In 1981, the first two interstate matches were again played under the old selection rules. As New South Wales won the first two matches in the series, state of origin selection rules were used once more in the third match. Although New South Wales ran out to an early 15–0 lead in the game, Queensland rallied to win 22–15.

===Adoption===
[[File:First State of Origin Shield.jpg|thumb|right|150px|The first State of Origin shield, depicting Queensland's [[Wally Lewis]] and New South Wales' [[Brett Kenny]].]]The interest generated by the experimental state of origin matches of 1980 and 1981 and the potential for financial rewards were enough to convince the authorities to play all three games under the state of origin rules the following year.{{ref|ref-originhistory}}
{{Blockquote|The State of Origin format is the only possible way to allow the interstate series to survive.|[[Frank Hyde]] (2 June 1982)<ref>{{Cite news
  | last = Hyde
  | first = Frank
  | title = Time to combine the old and new
  | newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]
  | page = 30
  | date = 2 June 1982
  | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8kURAAAAIBAJ&pg=5446,167778&dq=state-of-origin&hl=en
  | access-date =6 October 2009}}</ref>}}
Despite the Maroons' success so far in the State of Origin experiments, the New South Wales media dismissed the seriousness of the Queensland threat to the Blues' long-held dominance in series wins. Queensland, under the leadership of [[The Immortals (rugby league)|immortal]] captain [[Wally Lewis]], was inspired by this, and for the first three State of Origin series, Queensland won 2 matches to 1.

However, in 1985, under the leadership of captain [[Steve Mortimer]], New South Wales won the deciding match in front of 39,068 spectators at the [[Sydney Cricket Ground]], claiming the series for the first time. The following year the Blues were able to go one better and complete the first state of origin whitewash, taking the series 3–0.{{ref|ref-originhistory}}

===1987: American match===<!--This section is linked from [[Veterans Memorial Stadium (Long Beach)]]-->
After Queensland had won the 1987 series 2–1, a fourth game was played at [[Long Beach, California|Long Beach]], California to showcase [[rugby league]] to the American public.{{ref|la-game}}

The match was played at the [[Veterans Memorial Stadium (Long Beach)|Veterans Memorial Stadium]] in Long Beach, California in front of 12,349 fans. The Blues won the game 30–18.

On 15 July 2003, the [[Australian Rugby League]] announced that the fourth 1987 game was to be classified as an official match, and that a win in the state of origin match on 16 July 2003 would take New South Wales into the overall lead.

ARL chief executive [[Geoff Carr]] said: "There had been some debate over whether the Origin fixture . . . in 1987 was counted as an official match but a search of ARL records has confirmed the status conferred on that clash by the game's governing body at the time. In announcing the match in Big League in April 1987, [[Ken Arthurson]], the ARL's chief executive in 1987, was quoted as saying 'It's an exciting experiment but the match isn't and won't be billed as an exhibition match'."

===1990s===
The Queensland halves pairing of [[Allan Langer]] and [[Wally Lewis]] led the Maroons in their 3–0 series wins in both 1988 and 1989. The rise of the Canberra Raiders in the then Winfield Cup club competition produced for the Blues the formidable halves combination of [[Ricky Stuart]] and [[Laurie Daley]] who brought New South Wales back from defeat in the opening game with two wins in the 1990 series. It was evident that as the rivalry between the two states grew, the Origin matches had become much more physical forward orientated game than the open running play seen in earlier series.{{ref|ref-originhistory}}

As the great Queensland players from the 1980s began to retire from the game, the Maroons struggled with a team of fresh faces and considerable inexperience. 1992, 1993 and 1994 series all went to NSW as the talent and experience of Blues players such as [[Brett Mullins]], Daley and Stuart in the backs and [[Benny Elias]] and [[Bradley Clyde]] in the forwards gave the Blues the edge when the games were on the line. It wasn't until the upheaval of the [[Super League war]] in 1995 that the Maroons were able to again clinch a series.

The main cause for concern for Queensland was the fact that the [[Brisbane Broncos]], its players and many other Queenslanders were not aligned with the [[Australian Rugby League|ARL]] prohibiting any players signed with the [[Super League]] to play for the Maroons. Despite this, the Queenslanders won the 1995 series 3–0 in a shocking white-wash. The 1996 series saw the off-field contract dramas put aside as all players were allowed, regardless of contract, state of origin selection. Having the majority of the Queenslanders back didn't help the Maroons though as the Blues 1996 white-wash with a 3–0 series win of their own.

The Australian game divided in 1997 into two competitions, one run by the [[Australian Rugby League|ARL]] and one by the News Limited-owned [[Super League]], and an interstate series was played in each. Under the Super League banner, there was a Tri-Origin series with a New Zealand side added to the competition. The [[Australian Rugby League|ARL]] meanwhile stuck to its traditional format. The teams were selected using origin rules, and New South Wales and Queensland met twice. These matches do not count towards the official state of origin record. As with the premiership, players were spread between two representative tournaments as well.

The competitions merged again in 1998 as the current [[National Rugby League]], and the series that year proved to be enthralling as both sides won a game each away from home, setting up a decider at the Sydney Football Stadium where 39,000 fans witnessed the visiting Queenslanders take the series 2–1. The end of the decade saw a dramatic series with each side taking one game each and game three ending in a draw. Queensland was awarded the series as at the time the previous winners retained the interstate honors.

===2000s===
The early to mid-2000s saw New South Wales starting to assert its traditional interstate dominance, causing some critics to question the future of State of Origin. However, this imbalance tipped in the third and deciding game of the [[2006 State of Origin series]], which is seen as the starting point of Queensland's unprecedented dynasty. Queensland followed by winning the [[2007 State of Origin series|2007 series]], as well as the [[2008 State of Origin series|2008 series]], which made Queensland's streak three series in a row. [[New South Wales Rugby League team|New South Wales]] won Game 1 on 21 May 2008, however, Queensland won Game 2 on 11 June 2008, and Game 3 on 2 July 2008. Queensland continued to follow this up by winning the first two games of the 2009 series becoming the first state to win four series in a row.

===2010s===
{{wide image|MCG Panorama 6 June 2018.jpg|500px|The first of the [[2018 State of Origin series|2018]] games, played at [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]]}}

In 2010, Queensland won its historic, record-breaking, fifth consecutive Origin series with a 23–18 win in the third and final match. This was the first Queensland team to win all three consecutive State of Origin Games in 15 years. Queensland full-back [[Billy Slater]] won the man of the match in the third game and was awarded the [[Wally Lewis Medal]] as Man of the Series in 2010. The 2010 State of Origin series was also the second televised program in Australia to be shot in [[3-D film|3D]] [[1080i]] [[DVB-T]] as well as being simultaneously broadcast in regular [[576i]], [[1080i]] [[DVB-T]] and [[PAL]].

In the first game of the 2011 series, Queensland defeated New South Wales 16–12. In the second game, New South Wales defeated Queensland 18–8. Queensland won the series 34–24 in the 2011 decider in what was Queensland captain Darren Lockyer's 36th and final game. Cameron Smith won the man of the match in both the first and third game and was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal as Man of the Series.

In 2012, then NRL CEO [[David Gallop]] introduced the Under-20s State of Origin for [[2012 NRL Under-20s season|Toyota Cup]] players which saw New South Wales winning. Queensland went on to win a historic 7th series win in 2012, winning the final game by 1 point.

In 2013, New South Wales defeated Queensland 14 to 6 in game 1, Queensland defeated New South Wales 26 to 6 in game 2, while in-game 3 Queensland defeated New South Wales 12 to 10 to take out the overall Origin title for the eighth consecutive time. The 2013 series set a new State of Origin television rating record for a whole series since the 2001 introduction of the rating system.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bodey|first=Michael|title=State of Origin breaks audience records|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/state-of-origin-breaks-audience-records/story-e6frg996-1226681209579|access-date=18 July 2013|newspaper=[[The Australian]]|date=18 July 2013}}</ref>

In 2014, New South Wales defeated Queensland 12–8 in the first game of the series, and 6–4 in the second.<ref>{{cite news|last=Roar |first=The |title=2014 State of Origin 1 full-time result|url=http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/05/28/state-origin-2014-game-1-full-time-result-qld-8-12-nsw/ |access-date=16 December 2015}}</ref> In the third game, Queensland defeated New South Wales 32-8 after scoring the first try of the game in the 37th minute, with Queensland leading 6–2 in the first half. This gave the Blues the first series win in 8 years.

In 2015, Queensland defeated New South Wales 11–10 in game 1 played in Sydney, New South Wales defeated Queensland 26–18 in game 2 played in Melbourne, Queensland defeated New South Wales 52–6 in game 3 played in Brisbane, winning the series 2–1.

In 2016, Queensland defeated New South Wales 6–4 in game 1 and clinched the series with a 26–16 win in the second match. New South Wales closed off the series with an 18–14 win over Queensland.

In 2017, New South Wales won Game 1, 28-4 sparking the New South Wales media to start proclaiming the beginning of the Blues Dynasty.{{Citation needed|date=July 2018}} Queensland won Game 2, 18-16 after making changes to the team with the returning Billy Slater and Johnathan Thurston, who kicked the winning goal for Queensland. Thurston injured his shoulder in the 30th minute of the match, essentially disabling it as he played out the whole match. Thurston was later ruled out for the rest of the year after scans revealed his shoulder needed a reconstruction, ending his representative career as he announced 2017 would be his last representative year. In Game 3, New South Wales went in with an unchanged lineup for all three games, the first to do so since 1996. Queensland dominated the Blues, winning 22–6, with Queensland winger Dane Gagai winning the Wally Lewis Medal for Best Player in the series. It also had Johnathan Thurston raise the Origin Shield with Queensland Captain Cameron Smith, before being chaired off the ground by his teammates, ending Thurston's representative career on a high note.

In 2018, New South Wales won their first State of Origin series in four years, defeating Queensland 22–12 and 18–14 in the first two games. Queensland scored a consolation victory 18–12 in the final game.

In 2019, Queensland defeated New South Wales in the first match 18–14. New South Wales then defeated Queensland 38–6 in the second and also won the third game 26–20. This was the first time since 2005 which New South Wales won a series decider and a consecutive series win.

===2020s===
In 2020, [[Ampol]] became the naming rights partner of the series until at least 2023, taking over from [[Holden]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 October 2020|title=Ampol takes over State of Origin sponsorship|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/10/27/ampol-takes-over-state-of-origin-sponsorship/|access-date=27 October 2020|website=National Rugby League|language=en}}</ref>

The [[2020 State of Origin series|2020 series]] was originally due to be played during the middle of the [[2020 NRL season|season]], but was shifted to the post-season for the first time in history, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] which forced the suspension of all non-essential services in March. The series was played on consecutive Wednesday nights in November (4th, 11th, and 18th), with the venues for the fixtures designated as: [[Adelaide Oval]], [[Stadium Australia|ANZ Stadium]] and [[Lang Park|Suncorp Stadium]]. Former New South Wales captain Paul Gallen and Daily Telegraph journalist Dean Ritchie notably described the Queensland team as the worst ever Maroons side.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Austin |first1=Jack |title='I'll be ducking Freddy': Journo eats humble pie over 'worst team' call... but doesn't regret it |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-2020-game-3-result-old-maroons-beat-nsw-blues-worst-queensland-team-ever-dean-ritchie-highlights/news-story/7ecdef2d5c76ff3fd804328f3e1ff264 |website=Fox Sports |language=en |date=18 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-15 |title=Gallen concedes current Maroons are worst in history |url=https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin/queensland-maroons/paul-gallen-concedes-current-maroons-are-worst-in-history-20201115-p5ipnu.html |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=Nine |language=en}}</ref> Game 1, held for the first time in Adelaide, saw Queensland beat New South Wales in a nail biting 18–14 win. At half time, the Blues were leading the Maroons 10–0, but a huge upset secured the game for Queensland. Game 2 held in Sydney, New South Wales, at ANZ Stadium, was a blue wave. Queensland scored the first try but eventually lost the game to New South Wales 34–10. Game 3 was held in Brisbane on 18 November at Suncorp Stadium and was a physical match which saw Queensland regain the shield with a 20–14 win over New South Wales. In his post game speech, Captain Daly Cherry Evans quipped "and on behalf of the worst ever Queensland team, thank you very much".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-01 |title='It just felt right': DCE opens up on his 'worst team ever' clapback in Origin speech |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2021-daly-cherryevans-state-of-origin-qld-maroons-vs-nsw-blues-worst-team-ever-paul-gallen/news-story/12061cd242e3dc87031b7510afb1de27 |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}}</ref> A reference to critical comments made by former New South Wales Captain Paul Gallen.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-15 |title=Gallen concedes current Maroons are worst in history |url=https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin/queensland-maroons/paul-gallen-concedes-current-maroons-are-worst-in-history-20201115-p5ipnu.html |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=Nine |language=en}}</ref> Cameron Munster was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal for his exceptional performances throughout the series, despite being out due to HIA for most of Game 2.

Game 1 of the [[2021 State of Origin series|2021 series]] was held at [[North Queensland Stadium|Queensland Country Bank Stadium]] in [[Townsville]] on 9 June, moved from the MCG after another COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Geleit |first1=Lachlan |title=ORIGIN GAME 1 MOVED FROM MCG TO TOWNSVILLE |url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/05/31/reports-origin-game-1-moved-from-mcg-to-townsville/ |website=sen.com.au |access-date=9 June 2021}}</ref> This became the first Origin match to be played in a regional centre. New South Wales then recorded their biggest win in series history, defeating Queensland 50–6.<ref>{{cite web |last1=AAP |title=Trbojevic inspires NSW to record 50-6 State of Origin win over Queensland |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jun/09/trbojevic-inspires-nsw-to-record-50-6-state-of-origin-win-over-queensland |website=[[TheGuardian.com]] |date=9 June 2021 |access-date=9 June 2021}}</ref>[[File:2021 State of Origin Game 1 Queensland Country Bank Stadium National Anthem.jpg|thumb|2021 State of Origin Game 1 [[Queensland Country Bank Stadium]] Performing the Australian National Anthem|265x265px]] [[File:Queensland Country Bank Stadium for State of Origin Game 1 2021.jpg|thumb|[[Queensland Country Bank Stadium]] for State of Origin Game 1 2021 in [[Townsville]]|center|265x265px]] NSW would go on to win the series with a 26–0 win against Queensland at Suncorp, with Queensland gaining a consolation win by defeating NSW 20–18 on the Gold Coast, with the venue being required due to the resurgence of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].

The [[2022 State of Origin series|2022 series]] took place on 8 June 26 June and 13 July, being played at [[Stadium Australia|Accor Stadium]] in [[Sydney]], [[Perth Stadium|Optus Stadium]] in [[Perth]] and [[Lang Park|Suncorp Stadium]] in [[Brisbane]] with the notable addition of former player [[Billy Slater]], as coach for the Queensland side.<ref>{{cite web |title='It's a great honour': Slater named new Maroons coach |url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/09/24/its-a-great-honour-slater-named-new-maroons-coach/ |website=National Rugby League |language=en |date=24 September 2021}}</ref> Queensland would go onto win the first game 16–10, with New South Wales hitting back on game 2 with a huge 44–12 finish. Game 3 finished in a nail biting 22–12 to Queensland, with Hooker [[Ben Hunt (rugby league)|Ben Hunt]] intercepting a mid-air kick from New South Wales halfback [[Nathan Cleary]], securing the game with an 80 metre sprint to score. The game has been called "one of the greatest games in State of Origin history".<ref>{{cite web |title=BIG BILLY BOILOVER! Queensland stun Blues to seal series in all-time Origin epic |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-2022-game-3-live-updates-score-start-time-teams-news-nsw-blues-vs-qld-maroons/news-story/af084b4c43e4d45f97bad562241065f5 |website=Fox Sports |language=en |date=12 July 2022}}</ref>

The [[2023 State of Origin series]] began in Adelaide with Queensland winning game one after coming from behind in the second half. In game two, Queensland would win 32-6 in Brisbane to claim the series. New South Wales would win game three to avoid a clean sweep. In the wake of another series loss, Brad Fittler resigned as head coach of New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jun/21/state-of-origin-2023-queensland-maroons-beat-nsw-blues-to-seal-series-win/|title=Queensland thrash sorry NSW to seal 2023 State of Origin series win|newspaper=The Guardian|date=21 June 2023 |last1=Fontaine |first1=Angus }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-2023-brad-fittler-resigns-as-nsw-blues-coach-next-coach-contenders-reaction-details-contract-phil-gould/news-story/f2a9fa60b86e23a22b9a9b46c9765290/|title=Brad Fittler steps down as search begins for new Blues coach ahead of 2024 series|website=www.foxsports.com.au|date=28 September 2023 }}</ref>

The [[2024 State of Origin series]] started on 5th June in Sydney and the last game was played on 17th July in Brisbane. The game was held at [[Stadium Australia|Accor Stadium]], [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] and [[Lang Park|Suncorp Stadium]]. New South Wales won the series after winning 2nd game in Melbourne and 3rd game in Brisbane.<ref>{{Cite web |title=State of Origin fixtures & draw 2024 |url=https://www.theroar.com.au/rugby-league/nrl/state-of-origin/draw/ |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=The Roar |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Howcroft |first=Jonathan |date=2024-07-17 |title=NSW Blues beat Queensland Maroons: State of Origin 2024 Game 3 – as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2024/jul/17/state-of-origin-3-qld-vs-nsw-live-updates-maroons-blues-scores-results-kick-off-start-time-suncorp-stadium-brisbane |access-date=2024-07-19 |work=the Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

==Venues==

{{multiple image
 | direction = vertical
 | width = 250
 | image1 = State of Origin Game II 2018.jpg
 | alt1 = 
 | image2 = Suncorp Stadium Brisbane Australia 01.jpg
 | alt2 = 
 | footer = [[New South Wales]]'s [[Stadium Australia]] (top) and [[Queensland]]'s [[Lang Park]] (bottom) are the tournament's current venues, along with a third rotating venue.
}}

===Queensland===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#bdb76b;"
! Venue !! City !! No. of games !! Year/s !! Highest crowd !! Lowest crowd !! Average crowd !! Aggregate crowd
|-
| [[Lang Park]] || Brisbane || 59 || 1982–2001, 2003–2025 || 52,540 || 16,559 || 42,544.05 || 2,510,099
|-
| [[Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre|QSAC]] || Brisbane || 2 || 2001, 2002 || 49,441 || 47,989 || 48,715 || 97,430
|-
| [[Queensland Country Bank Stadium]] || Townsville || 1 || 2021 || 27,533 || {{mdash}} || — || —
|-
| [[Robina Stadium]] || Gold Coast || 1 || 2021 || 26,307 || {{mdash}} || — || —
|}

===New South Wales===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#bdb76b;"
! Venue !! City !! No. of games !! Years !! Highest crowd !! Lowest crowd !! Average crowd !! Aggregate crowd
|-
| [[Stadium Australia]]|| Sydney || 32 || 1999–2020, 2022–2024 || 88,336 || 36,212 || 74,333.53 || 2,378,673
|-
| [[Sydney Football Stadium (1988)|Sydney Football Stadium]] || Sydney || 14 || 1988–1998 || 41,955 || 16,910 || 37,345.43 || 522,836
|-
| [[Sydney Cricket Ground]] || Sydney || 6 || 1982–1987 || 42,048 || 20,242 || 32,128.83 || 192,773
|}

===Interstate & International===

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#bdb76b;"
! Venue !! City !! State !! Country !! No. of games !! Year/s !! Highest crowd !! Lowest crowd !! Average crowd !! Aggregate crowd 
|-
| [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] || Melbourne || {{flagdeco|VIC}} Victoria || Australia || 6 || 1994, 1995, 1997, 2015, 2018, 2024 || 91,513 || 25,105 || 72,329.83 || 433,979
|-
| [[Docklands Stadium]] || Melbourne || {{flagdeco|VIC}} Victoria || Australia || 3 || 2006, 2009, 2012 || 56,021 || 50,967 || 53,940.3̅ || 161,821
|-
| [[Perth Stadium]] || Perth || {{flagdeco|Western Australia}} Western Australia || Australia || 3 || 2019, 2022, 2025 || 59,721 || 59,358 || 59,539.5 || 119,079
|-
| [[Adelaide Oval]] || Adelaide || {{flagdeco|South Australia}} South Australia || Australia || 2 || 2020, 2023 || 48,613 || 25,218<ref name=Adelaide2020>{{cite web|title=Blues v Maroons - Game 1, 2020 - Match Centre - NRL|url=https://www.nrl.com/draw/state-of-origin/2020/round-1/blues-v-maroons/|publisher=NRL|access-date=11 November 2020|date=4 November 2020}}</ref> || 36,915.5 || 73,831
|-
| [[Olympic Park Stadium (Melbourne)|Olympic Park Stadium]] || Melbourne || {{flagdeco|VIC}} Victoria || Australia || 1 || 1990 || 25,800 ||  —  || — || —
|-
| [[Veterans Memorial Stadium (Long Beach)|Veterans Memorial Stadium]] || Long Beach || {{flagdeco|California}} California || United States || 1 || 1987 || 12,439 ||  —  || — || —
|}

==Popularity==
[[File:State of Origin 2 (24 June 2009, Sydney).jpg|thumb|250px|Crowds at the second game of [[2009 State of Origin series|2009]]]]
In 2013, each individual game in the series drew a higher Australian television audience than any other sporting event,<ref>{{cite news|last=Lallo|first=Michael |title=The X Factor a winner in the ratings, as Ten slumps|url=http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/the-x-factor-a-winner-in-the-ratings-as-ten-slumps-20131029-2wcvh.html |access-date=29 October 2013|newspaper=[[The Age]]|date=29 October 2013}}</ref> the only time this has ever happened.

In recent years the series has gained popularity outside of New South Wales and Queensland, with games played in [[Melbourne]] drawing record crowds for rugby league<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/1738-ministers-say-game-on-with-state-of-origin-series-set-to-kick-off-in-melbourne.html |title=Ministers say 'game on' with State of Origin series set to kick off in Melbourne |date=18 August 2011 |website=Premier of Victoria |publisher=Victorian Government |access-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502013454/http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/1738-ministers-say-game-on-with-state-of-origin-series-set-to-kick-off-in-melbourne.html |archive-date=2 May 2014}}</ref> and local television ratings comparable to those of major [[Australian Football League|AFL]] matches.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ritson|first=Mark |title=Channel Nine the State of Origin's real winner |url=http://www.brw.com.au/p/marketing/channel_nine_the_state_of_origin_lJsK0L5HO0qSMvciZCvNNI |access-date=29 October 2013|newspaper=[[BRW (magazine)|BRW]]|date=13 June 2013}}</ref> Internationally, the series is televised in 91 countries,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nswrl.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=76213 |title=Origin set to reach its biggest market yet |author=ARLC Media |date=3 June 2013 |website=New South Wales Rugby League |access-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615051535/http://www.nswrl.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=76213 |archive-date=15 June 2013}}</ref> and is a national obsession in [[Papua New Guinea]], occasionally sparking riots, violence and deaths.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fiercest origin passions erupt in PNG |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/05/24/1085389336046.html |access-date=29 October 2013|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=25 May 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Security boosted in PNG for State of Origin 2 after first round violence |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-10/an-png-security-boosted-after-state-of-origin-violence/4743176 |access-date=29 October 2013 |newspaper=Australia Network News |date=10 June 2013}}</ref> It also draws a strong following in neighbouring [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Big NZ Television Audience for State of Origin Opener|url=http://www.throng.co.nz/2013/06/big-nz-television-audience-for-state-of-origin-opener/ |access-date=6 May 2014|newspaper=throng.co.nz|date=6 June 2013}}</ref>

==Broadcasting==
Within Australia, [[Nine Network]] is the main broadcaster for the series, with replays airing on [[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]]. The series is also broadcast on radio by [[ABC Radio Grandstand]].

[[Setanta Sports Asia|Setanta Sports]] broadcasts live matches in Asia. In the [[United States]], [[Fox Soccer]] televised all matches live using the Nine feed since 2011, with the coverage moving to [[Fox Sports 2]] when Fox Soccer was discontinued in August 2013.<ref name=OriginTVUSA1>{{cite web|title=Live Origin broadcast by America's FOX Sports|url=http://www.nrl.com/live-origin-broadcast-by-americas-fox-sports/tabid/10874/newsid/62957/default.aspx|publisher=NRL|access-date=26 March 2013|date=25 May 2011}}</ref><ref name=OriginTVUSA2>{{cite web|title=Fox Soccer Plus Acquires Australia's Nrl Telstra Premiership and Rugby League State of Origin Series|url=http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom//binary/2012/03/02/Document21330727328115.pdf|publisher=[[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports Media Group]]|access-date=26 March 2013|date=29 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718213646/http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom//binary/2012/03/02/Document21330727328115.pdf|archive-date=18 July 2012}}</ref> [[Sky Sports]] broadcasts live coverage of State of Origin in the UK.

[[Roy and HG's State of Origin commentary]] was once broadcast on Australian youth radio network [[Triple J]]. This broadcast was presented by the characters "Rampaging" [[Roy Slaven]] and [[Greig Pickhaver|HG Nelson]] (played by [[John Doyle (comedian)|John Doyle]] and [[Greig Pickhaver]]), who commentated the game with a unique comedic style. Roy and HG's broadcasts began in the late 1980s and continued until 2008. Roy and HG moved from Triple J to radio network [[Triple M]] in 2009, at which point the duo ceased their State of Origin commentary.

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="float:right; text-align:center; margin:1em;"
|+ Australian metropolitan television viewers since 2010
|-
! colspan=2 scope="col"|Year
! scope="col"|Viewers (millions)
! scope="col"|{{abbr|Yearly rank|Overall rank for year}}
! class="unsortable"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|-
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2010 State of Origin series|2010]]
| G1
| 2.468
| 8
| rowspan=3| <ref>{{cite web |last1=Knox |first1=David |title=2010: The Top 100 |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2010/12/2010-the-top-100.html |website=[[TV Tonight]] |access-date= 25 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707230701/https://tvtonight.com.au/2010/12/2010-the-top-100.html |archive-date=7 July 2018 |date=4 December 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| G2
| 2.172
| 13
|-
| G3
| 1.786
| 31
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2011 State of Origin series|2011]]
| G1
| 2.245
| 12
| rowspan=3| <ref>{{cite web |last1=Knox |first1=David |title= The Block "Winner Announced" tops 2011 |url= https://tvtonight.com.au/2011/11/the-block-winner-announced-tops-2011.html |website=TV Tonight  |access-date=26 November 2011|date=5 November 2020 }}</ref>
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G2
| 2.165
| 14
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G3
| 2.492
| 8
|-
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2012 State of Origin series|2012]]
| G1
| 2.532
| 12
| rowspan=3| <ref>{{cite web |last1=Knox |first1=David |title=2012 Ratings: Seven wins Total People, Nine wins Demos. |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2012/12/2012-ratings-seven-wins-total-people-nine-wins-demos.html |website=[[TV Tonight]] |access-date= 5 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701042808/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2012/12/2012-ratings-seven-wins-total-people-nine-wins-demos.html |archive-date=1 July 2017 |date=4 December 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| G2
| 2.512
| 14
|-
| G3
| 2.694
| 9
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2013 State of Origin series|2013]]
| G1
| 2.450
| 7
| rowspan=3| <ref>{{cite news |title=The ratings reality show: the most watched TV of 2013 |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/the-ratings-reality-show-the-most-watched-tv-of-2013-20131204-2ypc6.html |access-date= 5 November 2020 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=5 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005073009/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/the-ratings-reality-show-the-most-watched-tv-of-2013-20131203-2ypc6 |archive-date=5 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G2
| 2.250
| 13
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G3
| 2.600
| 5
|-
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2014 State of Origin series|2014]]
| G1
| 2.530
| 7
| rowspan=3| <ref name="2014 ratings">{{cite web|last1=Hardie|first1=Giles |title=TV ratings 2014: all the winners and losers|url=https://thenewdaily.com.au/entertainment/tv/2014/11/23/tv-ratings-2014-winners-losers/|website=The New Daily|access-date=5 November 2020|date=24 November 2014}}</ref>
|-
| G2
| 2.600
| 5
|-
| G3
| 2.057
| 18
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2015 State of Origin series|2015]]
| G1
| 2.349
| 4
| rowspan=3| <ref name="2015 ratings">{{cite web |last1=Knox |first1=David |title=2015 ratings: Seven wins Total People, Nine tops Demos, TEN rises. |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2015/11/2015-ratings-seven-wins-total-people-nine-tops-demos-ten-rises.html |website=[[TV Tonight]] |access-date= 5 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929151046/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2015/11/2015-ratings-seven-wins-total-people-nine-tops-demos-ten-rises.html |archive-date=29 September 2017 |date=30 November 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G2
| 2.517
| 2
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G3
| 2.255
| 5
|-
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2016 State of Origin series|2016]]
| G1
| 2.735
| 3
| rowspan=3| <ref name="2016 ratings">{{cite web |last1=Hickman |first1=Arvind |title=AdNews analysis: The top 50 TV programs of 2016 |url=http://www.adnews.com.au/news/adnews-analysis-the-top-50-tv-programs-of-2016 |website=AdNews  |access-date= 5 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404045935/http://www.adnews.com.au/news/adnews-analysis-the-top-50-tv-programs-of-2016 |archive-date=4 April 2018 |date=29 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| G2
| 2.424
| 5
|-
| G3
| 2.141
| 6
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2017 State of Origin series|2017]]
| G1
| 2.374
| 7
| rowspan=3| <ref name="2017 ratings">{{cite web |last1=Hickman |first1=Arvind |title=AdNews Analysis: The top 20 TV shows of 2017 |url=http://www.adnews.com.au/news/adnews-analysis-the-top-20-tv-shows-of-2017 |website=AdNews|access-date= 5 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421203359/http://www.adnews.com.au/news/adnews-analysis-the-top-20-tv-shows-of-2017 |archive-date=21 April 2018 |date=1 February 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G2
| 2.404
| 6
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G3
| 2.523
| 5
|-
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2018 State of Origin series|2018]]
| G1
| 2.347
| 3
| rowspan=3| <ref name="2018 ratings">{{cite web |last1=Knox |first1=David |title=2018 ratings: the final word |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/02/2018-ratings-the-final-word.html |website=TV Tonight |access-date= 5 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207100903/https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/02/2018-ratings-the-final-word.html |archive-date=7 February 2019 |date=7 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| G2
| 2.132
| 5
|-
| G3
| 1.769
| 13
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2019 State of Origin series|2019]]
| G1
| 2.192
| 2
| rowspan=3| <ref>{{cite web |last1=Knox |first1=David |title=Nine wins 2019 ratings year|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/12/nine-wins-2019-ratings-year.html |website=TV Tonight|access-date=5 November 2020|date=2 December 2019}}</ref>
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G2
| 1.989
| 6
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G3
| 2.020
| 4
|-
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2020 State of Origin series|2020]]
| G1
| 1.606
| 9
| rowspan=3| <ref name="2020 ratings">{{cite web|last1=Knox|first1=David|title=Nine wins 2020 ratings year|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/11/nine-wins-2020-ratings-year.html|website=TV Tonight |access-date=30 November 2020|date=30 November 2020}}</ref>
|-
| G2
| 1.654
| 7
|-
| G3
| 1.894
| 5
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2021 State of Origin series|2021]]
| G1
| 1.911
| 7
| rowspan=3| <ref name="2021 ratings">{{cite web|last1=Connery|first1=Tess|title=By the Numbers: The most watched programs of 2021|url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/by-the-numbers-the-most-watched-programs-of-2021/|website=Mediaweek|access-date=22 December 2021|date=3 June 2022}}</ref>
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G2
| 1.862
| 8
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G3
| 1.746
| 11
|-
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2022 State of Origin series|2022]]*
| G1
| 1.771<br>(2.529)
| 1<br>(6)
| rowspan=3| <ref name="2022 ratings">{{cite web|last1=Quinn|first1=Karl|title=What we watched in 2022: Seven, Nine clash as both claim TV ratings win|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/seven-nine-clash-as-both-claim-win-however-you-cut-it-in-tv-ratings-20221127-p5c1ke.html|website=SMH|access-date=1 June 2023|date=27 November 2022}}</ref>
|-
| G2
| 1.797<br>(2.632)
| 1<br>(4)
|-
| G3
| 1.792<br>(2.611)
| 1<br>(5)
|-
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2023 State of Origin series|2023]]
| G1
| 1.981<br>(3.293)
| 1<br>(8)
| <ref name="G12023">{{cite web|last1=Knox|first1=David|title=Wednesday 31 May 2023|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/06/wednesday-31-may-2023.html|website=[[TV Tonight]]|access-date=1 June 2023|date=1 June 2023}}</ref>
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G2
| 1.833<br>(3.044)
| 1<br>(11)
| <ref name="G22023">{{cite web|last1=Knox|first1=David|title=Wednesday 21 June 2023|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/06/wednesday-21-june-2023.html|website=[[TV Tonight]]|access-date=22 June 2023|date=22 June 2023}}</ref>
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G3
| 1.476<br>(2.505)
| 1<br>(14)
| <ref name="G32023">{{cite web|last1=Knox|first1=David|title=Wednesday 13 July 2023|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/07/wednesday-12-july-2023.html|website=[[TV Tonight]]|access-date=13 July 2023|date=13 July 2023}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2024 State of Origin series|2024]]**
| G1
| 3.436
| 
| <ref name="2024 G1 ratings">{{cite web|last1=Knox|first1=David|title= State of Origin I is a blockbuster at 3.44m viewers |url= https://tvtonight.com.au/2024/06/state-of-origin-i-is-a-blockbuster-at-3-44m-viewers.html |website=TV Tonight|access-date=6 June 2024|date=6 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
| G2
| 3.263
| 
| <ref name="2024 G2 ratings">{{cite web|last1=Knox|first1=David|title= 3.26m watch NSW win State of Origin II |url= https://tvtonight.com.au/2024/06/3-26m-watch-nsw-win-state-of-origin-ii.html#0 |website=TV Tonight|access-date=27 June 2024|date=27 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
| G3
| 3.650
| 
|<ref>{{Cite web|first=David|last=Knox|date=18 July 2024|title=Mega 3.65m watch Blues win State of Origin III|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2024/07/mega-3-65m-watch-blues-win-state-of-origin-iii.html |access-date=20 July 2024|website=TV Tonight|language=en-AU}}</ref>
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
! rowspan=3 scope="row" style="text-align:center;"|[[2025 State of Origin series|2025]]**
| G1
| 3.755
| 
| <ref name="2025 G1 ratings">{{cite web|last1=Knox|first1=David|title= Wednesday 28 May 2025 |url= https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/05/wednesday-28-may-2025.html |website=TV Tonight|access-date=29 May 2025|date=29 May 2025}}</ref>
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G2
| 3.751
| 
| <ref name="2025 G2 ratings">{{cite web|last1=Knox|first1=David|title= Wednesday 18 June 2025 |url= https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/06/wednesday-18-june-2025.html |website=TV Tonight|access-date=19 June 2025|date=19 June 2025}}</ref>
|-style="background:lightgrey; color:black;" |
| G3
| 
| 
| 
|-
|}
*Includes overnight and total viewership (in brackets)
**From 2024, the ratings system was changed and will only include total viewership not metro.

==Selection rules==
Under State of Origin rules players were previously selected for the state in which they first played senior (or registered) rugby league.{{ref|ref-crikey2}}{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}} In 2012, the NSWRL, CRL, QRL and ARLC agreed on new criteria in determining Origin eligibility, to encompass other factors, such as place of birth.{{ref|http://www.nrl.com/nrl-mailbox-origin-eligibility/tabid/10874/newsid/66664/default.aspx}} Players must also be eligible to represent Australia at international level.

===Controversy===
From time to time, the selection of players under the [[State of Origin]] rules creates controversy. Since 1980, Queensland has completed just 7 series with a team completely made up of players of a Queensland birth, while for New South Wales the total is only 6, although every New South Wales player has been legally eligible for the state, unlike some of Queensland's.<ref name="Stead">{{cite news|publisher=Finder|url=http://www.finder.com.au/state-of-origin|title=The Ultimate State of Origin Lineup Comparison|date=18 May 2015|access-date=19 May 2015|first=Chris|last=Stead}}</ref> However, the place of birth has only been a relevant factor in eligibility since 2012. The issue was parodied in the song "[[That's In Queensland]]".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/state-of-origin/viral-youtube-song-thats-in-queensland-pokes-fun-at-queenslands-state-of-origin-recruiting/story-fn31yxah-1226374894356 | title=Motorsport Video &#124;Motorsport Highlights, Replays, News, Clips }}</ref>

An issue of contention has been the selection of players such as [[Peter Sterling (rugby league commentator)|Peter Sterling]], [[Ken Nagas]], [[James McManus (rugby league)|James McManus]], [[Israel Folau]] and [[Greg Inglis]].

====NSW controversies====
[[Ken Nagas]] was born and raised in Queensland but decided to play for New South Wales, [[Peter Sterling (rugby league commentator)|Peter Sterling]] was born in Toowoomba, Queensland but raised in Wagga Wagga, Newcastle and Sydney, all in New South Wales, while McManus was born in Scotland and was raised in the Northern Territory, but was ruled eligible to play for New South Wales in the 2009 series. New South Wales also claim players who were born and raised in the Australian Capital Territory, including Nick Cotric and Terry Campese. However, given that the Australian Capital Territory local competition is administered by the [[New South Wales Rugby League|NSWRL]] and is part of the New South Wales jurisdiction, this makes NSW eligibility for ACT players legitimate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Association: Canberra Region Rugby League |url=https://www.playrugbyleague.com/Competitions/Association/canberra-region-rugby-league-85?season=2024 |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=www.playrugbyleague.com}}</ref>

====Queensland controversies====
Israel Folau was born and raised in New South Wales but is eligible to play for Queensland as he played his first senior rugby league match in Queensland.

Many other Queensland players were born outside the state yet played for the Maroons, such as [[Sam Thaiday]] (born in Sydney), [[Petero Civoniceva]] (born in Fiji), [[Adrian Lam]] (born in Papua New Guinea), [[Lote Tuqiri]] (born in Fiji), [[Michael Crocker]] (born in Sydney), [[Billy Moore (rugby league, born 1971)|Billy Moore]] (born in Tenterfield), [[Tonie Carroll]] (born in Christchurch), [[Karmichael Hunt]] (born in Auckland) and [[Brad Thorn]] (born in Otago region, NZ).

====Inglis scandal====
The selection of [[Greg Inglis]] by [[Queensland rugby league team|Queensland]] was the most controversial. The [[Queensland Rugby League]] selected him based on the reality that [[Brisbane Norths]] was Inglis's first senior football club, as per the eligibility rules at the time.<ref>[http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/inglis-sticks-to-colours-20100615-ydcp.html Inglis sticks to colors] ''Brisbane Times'', 16 June 2012</ref><ref>[http://m.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/fedup-meninga-says-nsw-should-stop-bleating-over-inglis-20120418-1x7q5.html Fed-up Meninga says NSW should stop bleating over Inglis] ''Canberra Times'', 19 April 2012</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120623234901/http://www.bigpondsport.com/why-state-of-birth-doesnt-work/tabid/91/newsid/90065/default.aspx Why 'The State of Birth' doesn't work] ''BigPond Sport'', 21 June 2012</ref> However, some claim that schoolboy competitions count as senior football; and, with Inglis having previously played for Hunter Sports High School in [[Newcastle, New South Wales]], in the [[Arrive Alive Cup]], he should have played for New South Wales.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Greg Inglis' dad defends his decision to become a Maroon.|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/why-greg-inglis-is-a-maroon/story-e6frepaf-1111116761552}}</ref>

====Notable cases of odd eligibility====
Due to the clarification of selection rules, the Sims brothers are eligible for different States. [[Tariq Sims|Tariq]] and [[Ashton Sims|Ashton]] are eligible for New South Wales, while [[Korbin Sims]] is eligible for Queensland.<ref>[https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/115297/blues-lose-korbin-sims-to-queensland/ Blues lose Korbin Sims to Queensland] ''Newcastle Herald'', 17 April 2012</ref> Previously father and son combinations, such as [[Steve Rogers (rugby league)|Steve]] and [[Mat Rogers]], have represented different states. This duo was especially notable because Mat was born in New South Wales and played for Queensland while Steve was born in Queensland and played for New South Wales. Steve Rogers played his first senior game of rugby league for the Southport Tigers on Queensland's Gold Coast, in an NSW CRL competition.

Foreign-born players have also represented each state. New Zealand has had several players, such as [[Brad Thorn]], [[Ben Te'o]], [[Craig Smith (rugby league born 1971)|Craig Smith]], [[Willie Mason]], [[Tonie Carroll]], [[James Tamou]] and [[Karmichael Hunt]] play Origin. Tamou's selection by New South Wales in 2012 was controversial as he was born in [[Palmerston North]] and played for the Junior Kiwis, lived in New Zealand until he moved to Sydney when he was 13 and was included in the [[New Zealand national rugby league team]] training squad for the [[2011 Rugby League Four Nations|2011 Four Nations]].<ref>[http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/kiwis-cranky-about-stopping-nz-stars-playing-origin/story-e6frepbx-1226411570878 Kiwis cranky about stopping NZ stars playing Origin] ''Courier-Mail'', 29 June 2012</ref> Both Hunt and Tamou played for [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]] before being selected for the State of Origin. Other players, such as [[Sam Kasiano]] and [[Jason Taumalolo]] are also eligible, creating concern in the [[New Zealand Rugby League]].<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/opinion/7200956/Dark-day-when-Kiwis-choose-maroon-or-blue Dark day when Kiwis choose maroon or blue] ''stuff.co.nz'', 1 July 2012</ref> Apart from representing Queensland, Brad Thorn is also a dual rugby international, having played international rugby league for Australia, and international rugby union for the [[New Zealand national rugby union team|All Blacks]].

Papua New Guinea–born [[Adrian Lam]] and Fijian-born [[Lote Tuqiri (rugby, born 1979)|Lote Tuqiri]], [[Akuila Uate]] and [[Petero Civoniceva]] have also played Origin. [[Benny Elias]] was born in Lebanon and has played for and captained NSW. [[Mario Fenech]] was born in Malta and has played for NSW.

===Anomalies===
# In 1995 and 1997 [[Super League (Australia)|Super League]] players were made ineligible for the [[Australian Rugby League|ARL]] State of Origin series selection. This included most of Queensland's usual team, who now played for the Super League affiliated [[Brisbane Broncos]]. The ARL hence decided to relax the rules in those years, allowing Queensland to select [[Adrian Lam]] who had previously played for [[Papua New Guinea national rugby league team|Papua New Guinea]]. The 1995 Origin series was the scene of the biggest upset in Origin history when the relatively inexperienced Maroons swept aside NSW, who even without their Super League players could still boast several senior Origin and international players, 3–0.
# During the [[2000 Rugby League World Cup|2000 World Cup]] several Australian players were granted dispensations to appear for other nations under the [[grandparent rule]]. The players affected were [[David Barnhill]] (NSW, Ireland), [[Kevin Campion (rugby league)|Kevin Campion]] (Qld, Ireland), [[Tonie Carroll]] (Qld, New Zealand), [[Graham Mackay]] (NSW, Scotland), [[Willie Mason]] (NSW, Tonga), [[Luke Ricketson]] (NSW, Ireland), [[Lote Tuqiri (rugby, born 1979)|Lote Tuqiri]] (Qld, Fiji) and [[Adrian Vowles]] (Qld, Scotland), {{ref|ref-nswplayers}} {{ref|ref-rlwc2000}}

== Results ==
{{Further|State of Origin results and statistics}}
{{See also|Interstate Rugby League in Australia (1908–1981)}}

=== Year by year ===
Of the 43 full series played, Queensland has won 24, New South Wales 17, with 2 series drawn. However, on both of the 2 occasions there was a drawn series, the previous year's winner retained the title, with both being retained by Queensland, meaning Queensland have won 26 titles and New South Wales 17 titles. With the addition of three one-off games that were played in 1980, 1981 and 1987, the total number of games played is 132. Queensland have won 70, New South Wales have won 60, with 2 matches being drawn.<ref>[http://afltables.com/rl/soo/soo_idx.html Rugby League Tables]</ref>

The series of 1999 and 2002 are considered drawn series, as both New South Wales and Queensland won a single game of each 3 match series, with the final game concluding in a draw. At that time there was no overtime rule to break the deadlock, and by the same set of rules, Queensland retained the shield as they were the previous holders. Due to the controversy around the second drawn series, and the rule awarding the series champions to Queensland, the rules were subsequently changed to rule out drawn matches and series. Equal points at the close of full-time are now resolved with the [[golden point]] method.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
! colspan=6 | State of Origin series
|-
! Year !! Winner !!width=55px| Wins !!width=55px| Losses !!width=55px| Drawn !! Shield holder
|-
|[[1982 State of Origin series|1982]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | [[Queensland rugby league team|<span style="color:#FFFFFF">Queensland</span>]] || 2 || 1 || 0 || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland
|-
|[[1983 State of Origin series|1983]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white| Queensland
|-
|[[1984 State of Origin series|1984]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[1985 State of Origin series|1985]] || style="background:#bcf" | [[New South Wales rugby league team|NSW]] || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#bcf;"| NSW
|-
|[[1986 State of Origin series|1986]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 3 || 0 || 0 ||style="background:#bcf;"| NSW
|-
|[[1987 State of Origin series|1987]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1{{ref|la-game}} || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[1988 State of Origin series|1988]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 3 || 0 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[1989 State of Origin series|1989]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 3 || 0 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[1990 State of Origin series|1990]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#bcf;"| NSW
|-
|[[1991 State of Origin series|1991]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[1992 State of Origin series|1992]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 1 || 0 || style="background:#bcf;"| NSW
|-
|[[1993 State of Origin series|1993]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#bcf;"| NSW
|-
|[[1994 State of Origin series|1994]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#bcf;"| NSW
|-
|[[1995 State of Origin series|1995]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 3 || 0 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[1996 State of Origin series|1996]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 3 || 0 || 0 ||style="background:#bcf;"| NSW
|-
|[[1997 State of Origin series|1997]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#bcf;"| NSW
|-
|[[1998 State of Origin series|1998]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[1999 State of Origin series|1999]] || style="background:#FFFFF0" | Draw || 1 || 1 || 1 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2000 State of Origin series|2000]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 3 || 0 || 0 ||style="background:#bcf;"| NSW
|-
|[[2001 State of Origin series|2001]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2002 State of Origin series|2002]] || style="background:#FFFFF0" | Draw || 1 || 1 || 1 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2003 State of Origin series|2003]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#bcf;"| NSW
|-
|[[2004 State of Origin series|2004]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#bcf;"|NSW
|-
|[[2005 State of Origin series|2005]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#bcf;"| NSW
|-
|[[2006 State of Origin series|2006]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2007 State of Origin series|2007]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2008 State of Origin series|2008]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2009 State of Origin series|2009]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2010 State of Origin series|2010]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 3 || 0 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2011 State of Origin series|2011]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2012 State of Origin series|2012]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2013 State of Origin series|2013]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 || style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2014 State of Origin series|2014]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#bcf;"| NSW
|-
|[[2015 State of Origin series|2015]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 || style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2016 State of Origin series|2016]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 || style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2017 State of Origin series|2017]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 || style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2018 State of Origin series|2018]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#bcf;"| NSW
|-
|[[2019 State of Origin series|2019]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 1 || 0 ||style="background:#bcf;"| NSW
|-
|[[2020 State of Origin series|2020]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 || style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2021 State of Origin series|2021]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 1 || 0 || style="background: #bcf;" | NSW
|-
|[[2022 State of Origin series|2022]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 || style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2023 State of Origin series|2023]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white" | Queensland || 2 || 1 || 0 || style="background:#b03060;color:white"| Queensland
|-
|[[2024 State of Origin series|2024]] || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 1 || 0 || style="background:#bcf;| NSW
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto; text-align:center;" 
! colspan=5 | State of Origin non-series matches
|-
! Year !! Winner !!width=55px| Wins !!width=55px| Losses !!width=55px| Drawn
|-
|[[1980 State of Origin series|1980]] || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | Queensland || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
|[[1981 State of Origin series|1981]] || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | Queensland || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
|[[1987 State of Origin series|1987]] || style="background:#bcf" | New South Wales || 1 || 0 || 0
|}

==Wally Lewis Medal==
The Wally Lewis Medal was awarded by the [[Queensland Rugby League]] for the Queensland player of the series from 1992 to 2003, when The [[Ron McAuliffe Medal]] replaced it as the Queensland exclusive award. From 2004 onwards it has been awarded to the player of the series irrespective of state, to the following players:

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Recipients
|- style="background:#bdb76b;"
! Year !! Player !! State !! Position !! Club
|-
| [[2004 State of Origin series|2004]] || [[Craig Fitzgibbon]] || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW|| {{Rlp|LK}} || [[Sydney Roosters]]
|-
| [[2005 State of Origin series|2005]] || [[Anthony Minichiello]] || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW|| {{Rlp|FB}} || [[Sydney Roosters]]
|-
| [[2006 State of Origin series|2006]] || [[Darren Lockyer]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || {{Rlp|FE}}|| [[Brisbane Broncos]]
|-
| [[2007 State of Origin series|2007]] || [[Cameron Smith (rugby league, born 1983)|Cameron Smith]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || {{Rlp|HK}} || [[Melbourne Storm]]
|-
| [[2008 State of Origin series|2008]] || [[Johnathan Thurston]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" | QLD|| {{Rlp|HB}}, {{Rlp|FE}} || [[North Queensland Cowboys]]
|-
| [[2009 State of Origin series|2009]] || [[Greg Inglis]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" | QLD|| {{Rlp|CE}} || [[Melbourne Storm]]
|-
| [[2010 State of Origin series|2010]] || [[Billy Slater]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" | QLD|| {{Rlp|FB}} || [[Melbourne Storm]]
|-
| [[2011 State of Origin series|2011]] || [[Cameron Smith (rugby league, born 1983)|Cameron Smith]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" | QLD|| {{Rlp|HK}} || [[Melbourne Storm]]
|-
| [[2012 State of Origin series|2012]] || [[Nate Myles]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" | QLD|| {{Rlp|SR}} || [[Gold Coast Titans]]
|-
| [[2013 State of Origin series|2013]] || [[Cameron Smith (rugby league, born 1983)|Cameron Smith]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" |QLD|| {{Rlp|HK}} || [[Melbourne Storm]]
|-
| [[2014 State of Origin series|2014]] || [[Paul Gallen]] ||  style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" |NSW|| {{Rlp|LK}}, {{Rlp|PR}} || [[Cronulla Sharks]]
|-
| [[2015 State of Origin series|2015]] || [[Corey Parker (rugby league)|Corey Parker]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || {{Rlp|LK}} || [[Brisbane Broncos]]
|-
| [[2016 State of Origin series|2016]] || [[Cameron Smith (rugby league, born 1983)|Cameron Smith]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" | QLD|| {{Rlp|HK}} || [[Melbourne Storm]]
|-
| [[2017 State of Origin series|2017]] || [[Dane Gagai]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" | QLD|| {{Rlp|WG}} || [[Newcastle Knights]]
|-
| [[2018 State of Origin series|2018]] || '''[[Billy Slater]]''' || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" | QLD|| {{Rlp|FB}} || [[Melbourne Storm]]
|-
| [[2019 State of Origin series|2019]] || [[James Tedesco]] || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" |NSW|| {{Rlp|FB}} || [[Sydney Roosters]]
|-
| [[2020 State of Origin series|2020]] || [[Cameron Munster]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" | QLD|| {{Rlp|FE}} || [[Melbourne Storm]]
|-
|[[2021 State of Origin series|2021]] || [[Tom Trbojevic]] || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" |NSW|| {{Rlp|CE}} ||[[Manly Warringah Sea Eagles|Manly Sea Eagles]]
|-
|[[2022 State of Origin series|2022]] || [[Patrick Carrigan]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" | QLD|| {{Rlp|LK}} || [[Brisbane Broncos]]
|-
|[[2023 State of Origin series|2023]] || [[Reuben Cotter]] || style="background:#b03060;color:white; text-align:center" | QLD|| {{Rlp|PR}} || [[North Queensland Cowboys]]
|-
|[[2024 State of Origin series|2024]] || [[Angus Crichton]] || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW|| {{Rlp|SR}} || [[Sydney Roosters]]
|}

* '''Bold''' denotes player won it from the losing state.

==Records==

===Team===
*Most games won: 70, Queensland
*Most series won: 24, Queensland
*Most titles: 26, Queensland
*Most consecutive games won: 8, Queensland (Game II, [[1987 State of Origin series|1987]] – Game III, [[1989 State of Origin series|1989]])
*Most consecutive series won: 8, Queensland ([[2006 State of Origin series|2006]]–[[2013 State of Origin series|2013]])
*Most series clean sweeps: 4, Queensland ([[1988 State of Origin series|1988]]–[[1989 State of Origin series|1989]], [[1995 State of Origin series|1995]], [[2010 State of Origin series|2010]])
*Largest winning margin: 46, Queensland 52–6 New South Wales (Game III, [[2015 State of Origin series|2015]])
*Most points scored in a game: 72, New South Wales 56–16 Queensland (Game III, [[2000 State of Origin series|2000]])
*Most points scored by a team: 56, New South Wales 56–16 Queensland (Game III, [[2000 State of Origin series|2000]])

===Individual===
*Oldest player: 36 years 98 days, [[Daly Cherry-Evans]]  (2025) (Queensland)
*Youngest player: 18 years and 83 days, [[Ben Ikin]] (1995) (Queensland)

====Playing====
*Most games: 42 [[Cameron Smith (rugby league, born 1983)|Cameron Smith]] (2003–2017) (Queensland)
*Most consecutive games: 36 [[Johnathan Thurston]] (2005–2017) (Queensland)
*Most games as captain: 30 [[Wally Lewis]] (1981–1991) (Queensland)
*Most games won: 24 [[Cameron Smith (rugby league, born 1983)|Cameron Smith]] (2003–2017) (Queensland)
*Most series won: 11 [[Cameron Smith (rugby league, born 1983)|Cameron Smith]] (2006–2013, 2015–2017) (Queensland) & [[Johnathan Thurston]] (2006–2013, 2015–2017) (Queensland){{Ref|Note1|1}}
*Most Man of the Match Awards won: 8 [[Wally Lewis]] (1982–1991) (Queensland)
*Most points: 224 [[Johnathan Thurston]] (2005–2017) (Queensland)
*Most tries: 18 [[Greg Inglis]] (2006–2018) (Queensland)
*Most goals: 101 [[Johnathan Thurston]] (2005–2017) (Queensland)
*Most field goals: 4 [[Andrew Johns]] (1995–2005) (New South Wales)
*Most points in one game: 32 [[Ryan Girdler]] (Game III, 2000) (New South Wales)
*Most points in one series: 52 [[Ryan Girdler]] (2000) (New South Wales)
*Most tries in one game: 3 ([[Chris Anderson (rugby league)|Chris Anderson]], [[Kerry Boustead]], [[Ryan Girdler]], [[Lote Tuqiri (rugby, born 1979)|Lote Tuqiri]], [[Matt Sing]], [[Matt King (rugby league)|Matt King]], [[Dane Gagai]], [[Valentine Holmes]], [[Tom Trbojevic]], [[Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow]], [[Brian To'o]])
*Most tries in one series: 5 [[Ryan Girdler]] (2000) (New South Wales), [[Lote Tuqiri (rugby, born 1979)|Lote Tuqiri]] (2002) (Queensland)
*Most goals in one game: 10 [[Ryan Girdler]] (Game III, 2000) (New South Wales)
*Most goals in one series: 16 [[Ryan Girdler]] (2000) (New South Wales)
*Most field goals in one game: 2 [[Ben Elias]] (Game III, 1994) (New South Wales)
*Most field goals in one series: 2 [[Ben Elias]] (1994) (New South Wales), [[Andrew Johns]] (2003) (New South Wales)

:1.{{Note|Note1}}Smith, and Thurston competed in at least one game associated with each series wins.

===Coaching===
*Most games: 30 [[Mal Meninga]] (2006–2015) (Queensland)
*Most games won: 19 [[Mal Meninga]] (2006–2015) (Queensland)
*Most series won: 9 [[Mal Meninga]] (2006–2015) (Queensland)

===Other Records===
Players still currently active are listed in bold.

[http://afltables.com/rl/soo/records.html Source]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto"
|-
! colspan=8 | Basic records
|-
! Venue !! Games !! style="background:#bcf" | NSW !! Drw !! style="background:#b03060; color:white" | Qld !! NSW pts !! QLD pts !! Total pts
|-
| style="background:#b03060; color:white" | Lang Park || 61 || 21 || 1 || 39 || 877 (145–151–5) || 1151 (194–189–8) || 2028 (339–340–13)
|-
| style="background:#bcf" | S.C.G || 6 || 3 || 0 || 3 || 68 (12–10–1) || 76 (14–11–0) || 144 (26–21–1)
|-
| style= | Long Beach || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 30 (5–5–0) || 18 (3–3–0) || 48 (8–8–0)
|-
| style="background:#bcf" | S.F.S || 14 || 6 || 0 || 8 || 189 (33–28–1) || 199 (34–31–1) || 388 (67–59–2)
|-
| style= | Olympic || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 12 (2–2–0) || 6 (1–1–0) || 18 (3–3–0)
|-
| style= | M.C.G || 6 || 5 || 0 || 1 || 127 (22–19–1) || 82 (14–13–0) || 209 (36–32–1)
|-
| style="background:#bcf" | Stadium Australia || 32 || 20 || 1 || 11 || 609 (105–92–5) || 444 (79–63–2) || 1053 (184–155–7)
|-
| style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QEII || 2 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 32 (5–6–0) || 66 (13–7–0) || 98 (18–13–0)
|-
| style= | Docklands || 3 || 0 || 0 || 3 || 42 (8–5–0) || 62 (11–9–0) || 104 (19–14–0)
|-
| Perth Stadium || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 82 (13–15–0) || 18 (3–3–0) || 100 (16–18–0) 
|-
| Adelaide Oval|| 2 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 32 (6–4–0) || 44 (8–6–0) || 76 (14–10–0)
|-
| style="background:#b03060; color:white" | North Queensland Stadium || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 50 (8–9–0) || 6 (1–1–0) || 56 (9–10–0)
|-
|  style="background:#b03060; color:white" | Robina Stadium || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 18 (3–3–0) || 20 (3–4–0) || 38 (6–7–0)
|-
! style="text-align:left" | Totals !! style="text-align:left" | 132 !! style="text-align:left" | 60 !! style="text-align:left" | 2 !! style="text-align:left" | 70 !! style="text-align:left" | 2168 (367–349–13) !! style="text-align:left" | 2192 (378–341–11) !! style="text-align:left" | 4360 (745–690–24)
|-
! colspan=8 | Source: [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/state-of-origin/resultsbrief.html Rugby League Project] Last updated: 30 November 2024
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto; text-align:center"
|-
! colspan=5 | Leading try scorers
|-
! Try Scorer !! State !! Games !! Tries !! {{tooltip|Ave.|Average tries per game}}
|-
| align=left | Greg Inglis || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 32 || 18 || 0.56
|-
| align=left | Darius Boyd || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 28 || 17 || 0.61
|-
| align="left" | '''Valentine Holmes''' || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 18 || 13 || 0.81
|-
| align=left | Dale Shearer || style="background:#b03060; color:white"  | QLD || 26 || 12 || 0.46
|-
| align=left | Billy Slater || style="background:#b03060; color:white"  | QLD || 31 || 12 || 0.39
|-
| align=left | Dane Gagai || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 22 || 12 || 0.55
|-
| align="left" | '''Josh Addo-Carr'''|| style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 15 || 11 || 0.73
|-
| align="left" | Michael O'Connor || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 19 || 11 || 0.58
|-
| align=left | Jarryd Hayne || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 23|| 11 || 0.48
|-
| align=left | Allan Langer || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 34 || 10 || 0.29
|-
| align=left | '''Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow''' || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 6 || 9 || 1.5
|-
| align="left" | '''Tom Trbojevic'''|| style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 10 || 9 || 0.90
|-
| align=left | Darren Lockyer || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 36 || 9 || 0.25
|-
| align=left | Timana Tahu || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 12 || 8 || 0.67
|-
| align=left | Anthony Minichiello || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 11 || 8 || 0.73
|-
| align=left | '''James Tedesco'''|| style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 23 || 8 || 0.34
|-
! colspan=5 | Source: [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/state-of-origin/players.html Rugby League Project] Last updated: 17 July 2024
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto; text-align:right"
|-
! colspan=8 | Leading point scorers
|-
! Point scorers !! State !! Games !! Tries !! Goals !! Field goals !! Points !! {{tooltip|Average|Average Points per Game}}
|-
| align=left | Johnathan Thurston || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 37 || 5 || 99 || 2 || 220 || 5.95
|-
| align=left | Mal Meninga || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 32 || 6 || 69 || 0 || 161 || 5.03
|-
| align=left | Michael O'Connor || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 19 || 11 || 42 || 1 || 129 || 6.79
|-
| align="left" | '''Valentine Holmes''' || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 16 || 13 || 28 || 0 || 108 || 6.75
|-
| align=left | Andrew Johns || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 23 || 4 || 37 || 4 || 94 || 4.09
|-
| align=left | '''Nathan Cleary'''|| style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 14 || 2 || 43 || 0 || 94 || 6.71
|-
| align=left | Ryan Girdler || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 8 || 7 || 27 || 0 || 82 || 10.25
|-
| align="left" | Darren Lockyer || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 36 || 9 || 22 || 2 || 82 || 2.28
|-
| align=left | Greg Inglis || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 32 || 18 || 0 || 0 || 72 || 2.25
|-
| align=left | James Maloney || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 14 || 2 || 31 || 0 || 70 || 5.00
|-
| align=left | Darius Boyd || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 28 || 17 || 0 || 0 || 68 || 2.43
|-
| align=left | Dale Shearer || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 26 || 12 || 6 || 0 || 66 || 2.54
|-
| align=left | Rod Wishart || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 22 || 5 || 23 || 0 || 66 || 3.00
|-
! colspan=8 | Source: [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/state-of-origin/players.html Rugby League Project] Last updated: 14 July 2022
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto; text-align:right"
|-
! colspan=5 | Venue stats
|-
! Venue !! State !! Games !! Total attendance !! Average
|-
| align=left | [[Lang Park]] || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 60 ||2,408,786 || 40,827 
|-
| align=left | [[Sydney Cricket Ground|S.C.G]] || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 6 || 192,773 || 32,128
|-
| align=left | [[Veterans Memorial Stadium (Long Beach)|Long Beach]] || style="text-align:center" | Neutral || 1 || 12,439 || 12,439
|-
| align=left | [[Sydney Football Stadium (1988)|S.F.S]] || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 14 || 521,179 || 37,227 <!-- was 521,836 || 37,274 -->
|-
| align=left | [[Olympic Park Stadium (Melbourne)|Olympic]] || style="text-align:center" | Neutral || 1 || 25,800 || 25,800
|-
| align=left | [[Melbourne Cricket Ground|M.C.G]] || style="text-align:center" | Neutral || 5 || 343,895 || 68,779
|-
| align=left | [[Stadium Australia]] || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 31 || 2,226,117 || 74,204 
|-
| align=left | [[Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre|QEII]] || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 2 || 96430 || 48,215 <!-- was 97,430 || 48,715 -->
|-
| align=left | [[Docklands Stadium]] || style="text-align:center" | Neutral || 3 || 161,821 || 53,940
|-
| align=left | [[Perth Stadium]] || style="text-align:center" | Neutral || 3 || 175,834 || 58,611
|-
| align=left | [[Adelaide Oval]] || style="text-align:center" | Neutral || 2 || 73,831 || 36,915
|-
| align=left | [[North Queensland Stadium]] || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 1 || 27,533 || 27,533
|-
| align=left | [[Robina Stadium]] || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 1 || 26,307 || 26,307
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:left" | Total !! style="text-align:right" | 129 !! style="text-align:right" | 6,187,287 !! style="text-align:right" | 49,105
|-
! colspan=5 | Source: [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/venues/qeii-stadium/results.html Rugby League Project] Last updated: 14 July 2022
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto; text-align:center"
|-
! colspan=5 | Appearance stats
|-
! Players !! State !! Games !! Years
|-
| align=left | Cameron Smith || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 42 || 2003–2017
|-
| align=left | Johnathan Thurston || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 37 || 2005–2017
|-
| align=left | Darren Lockyer || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 36 || 1998–2011
|-
| align=left | Allan Langer || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 34 || 1987–2002
|-
| align=left | Petero Civoniceva || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 33 || 2001–2012
|-
| align=left | Mal Meninga || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 32 || 1980–1994
|-
| align=left | Nate Myles || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 32 || 2006–2017
|-
| align=left | Greg Inglis || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 32 || 2006–2018
|-
| align=left | Wally Lewis || style="background:#b03060; color:white"  | QLD || 31 || 1980–1991
|-
| align="left" | Brad Fittler || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 31 || 1990–2004
|-
| align=left | Billy Slater || style="background:#b03060; color:white"  | QLD || 31 || 2004–2018
|-
! colspan=4 | Source: [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/state-of-origin/players.html Rugby League Project] Last updated: 14 July 2022
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto; text-align:right"
|-
! colspan=6 | Leading goal kickers
|-
! Players !! State !! Games !! Goals !! Attempts !! Success <br> rate (%)
|-
| align=left | '''Nathan Cleary''' || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 14 || 43 || 48 || 89.58%
|-
| align=left | Jamie Soward || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 3 || 9 || 11 || 81.82%
|-
| align=left | James Maloney || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 14 || 31 || 38 || 81.58%
|-
| align=left | Mat Rogers || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 5 || 12 || 15 || 80.00%
|-
| align=left | Jamie Lyon || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 10 || 8 || 10 || 80.00%
|-
| align=left | Johnathan Thurston || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 37 || 96 || 121 || 79.34%
|-
| align=left | Trent Hodkinson || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 6 || 12 || 16 || 75.00%
|-
| align=left | Tim Brasher || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 21 || 9 || 12 || 75.00%
|-
| align=left | Craig Fitzgibbon || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 11 || 20 || 27 || 74.07%
|-
| align="left" | '''Valentine Holmes '''|| style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 16 || 28 || 38 || 73.68%
|-
| align=left | Darren Lockyer || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 36 || 22 || 30 || 73.33%
|-
| align=left | Ryan Girdler || style="background:#bcf; text-align:center" | NSW || 8 || 27 || 37 || 72.97%
|-
| align=left | Cameron Smith || style="background:#b03060; color:white; text-align:center" | QLD || 42 || 16 || 22 || 72.73%
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto; text-align:center"
|-
! colspan=7 | Most points scored in a game
|-
! Players !! State || Tries || Goals || Field goals || Points || Game
|-
| align=left | Ryan Girdler || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 3 || 10 || 0 || 32 || Game 3, 2000
|-
| align=left | '''Nathan Cleary''' || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 8 || 0 || 24 || Game 2, 2022
|-
| align=left | Lote Tuqiri || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 3 || 3 || 0 || 18 || Game 2, 2002
|-
| align=left | Johnathan Thurston || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 0 || 9 || 0 || 18 || Game 3, 2015
|-
| align=left | Michael O'Connor || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 2 || 5 || 0 || 18 || Game 1, 1985
|-
| align=left | '''Zac Lomax''' || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 3 || 3 || 0 || 18 || Game 2, 2024
|-
| align=left | Mal Meninga || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 2 || 4 || 0 || 16 || Game 1, 1989
|-
| align=left | Darren Lockyer || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 2 || 4 || 0 || 16 || Game 3, 2001
|-
| align=left | Dale Shearer || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 2 || 4 || 0 || 16 || Game 3, 1989
|-
| align=left | '''Nathan Cleary''' || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 0 || 8 || 0 || 16 || Game 1, 2021
|-
| align=left | '''Valentine Holmes''' || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 2 || 4 || 0 || 16 || Game 2, 2023
|-
| align=left | Mal Meninga || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 0 || 7 || 0 || 14 || Game 1, 1980
|-
| align=left | Darren Lockyer || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 1 || 5 || 0 || 14 || Game 1, 2001
|-
| align=left | Johnathan Thurston || style="background:#b03060; color:white" | QLD || 0 || 7 || 0 || 14 || Game 2, 2008
|-
| align=left | Michael O'Connor || style="background:#bcf" | NSW || 1 || 5 || 0 || 14 || Game 4,1987
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto"
|-
! colspan=4 | Series list
|-
! Year !! Winners !! Games !! Crowd average
|-
|1982 || Queensland || 3 || 22,334
|-
|1983 || Queensland || 3 || 25,705
|-
|1984 || Queensland || 3 || 26,426
|-
|1985 || New South Wales || 3 || 30,301
|-
|1986 || New South Wales || 3 || 31,623
|-
|1987 || Queensland || 3 || 36,020
|-
|1988 || Queensland || 3 || 25,056
|-
|1989 || Queensland || 3 || 35,452
|-
|1990 || New South Wales || 3 || 32,817
|-
|1991 || Queensland || 3 || 35,715
|-
|1992 || New South Wales || 3 || 37,806
|-
|1993 || New South Wales || 3 || 35,465
|-
|1994 || New South Wales || 3 || 56,340
|-
|1995 || Queensland || 3 || 44,122
|-
|1996
|New South Wales
|3
|39,480
|-
|1997
|New South Wales
|3
|28,856
|-
|1998
|Queensland
|3
|38,490
|-
|1999
|Draw (Queensland retain)
|3
|55,267
|-
|2000
|New South Wales
|3
|53,025
|-
|2001
|Queensland
|3
|52,866
|-
|2002
|Draw (Queensland retain) 
|3
|59,417
|-
|2003
|New South Wales
|3
|61,230
|-
|2004
|New South Wales
|3
|67,770
|-
|2005
|New South Wales
|3
|62,436
|-
|2006
|Queensland
|3
|60,025
|-
|2007
|Queensland
|3
|60,630
|-
|2008
|Queensland
|3
|66,082
|-
|2009
|Queensland
|3
|61,288
|-
|2010
|Queensland
|3
|60,821
|-
|2011
|Queensland
|3
|62,202
|-
|2012
|Queensland
|3
|63,856
|-
|2013
|Queensland
|3
|71,961
|-
|2014
|New South Wales
|3
|61,896
|-
|2015
|Queensland
|3
|74,712
|-
|2016
|Queensland
|3
|64,604
|-
|2017
|Queensland
|3
|61,730
|-
|2018
|New South Wales
|3
|73,520
|-
|2019
|New South Wales
|3
|64,826
|-
|2020
|Queensland
|3
|36,862*
|-
|2021
|New South Wales
|3
|35,371*
|-
|2022
|Queensland
|3
|64,085
|-
|2023
|Queensland
|3
|58,796
|-
|2024
|New South Wales
|3
|73,251
|}
Asterisk (*) indicates series with limited attendance due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].

==Under 19s==
The Under 19s State of Origin has only had 3 seasons so far (2022 to present)

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto; text-align:center"
|-
! Year !! Winner !! Wins !! Losses !! Drawn
|-
|[[2022 State of Origin series#Men's Under 19 State of Origin|2022]] || style="background:#bcf;" | NSW || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
|[[2023 State of Origin series#Men's Under 19 State of Origin|2023]] || style="background:#bcf;" | NSW || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
|[[2024 State of Origin series#Men's Under 19 State of Origin|2024]] || style="background:#bcf;" | NSW || 1 || 0 || 0
|}

===Under 20s===
The Under 20s State of Origin has only had eight seasons so far (2012 to 2019)<ref>[http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/new-south-wales-smash-queensland-in-under-20s-state-of-origin-clash/story-e6frf3ou-1226625081018 New South Wales smash Queensland in under-20s State of Origin clash] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603021744/http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/new-south-wales-smash-Queensland-in-under-20s-state-of-origin-clash/story-e6frf3ou-1226625081018 |date=3 June 2013 }}</ref> with only one game a year, instead of three. New South Wales has won seven of the eight, with Queensland winning their first in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.qrl.com.au/news/20182/07/11/clifford-leads-the-way-in-qld-breakthrough/ |title=Clifford leads the way in Queensland breakthrough |date=11 July 2018}}</ref> They play for the Darren Lockyer Shield. It became Under 19 Origin in 2022, after the 2020 and 2021 editions were cancelled due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto; text-align:center"
|-
! Year !! Winner !! Wins !! Losses !! Drawn
|-
|[[2012 State of Origin series#Under-20s|2012]] || style="background:#bcf;" | NSW || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
|[[2013 State of Origin series#Under-20s|2013]] || style="background:#bcf;" | NSW || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
|[[2014 State of Origin series#Under-20s|2014]] || style="background:#bcf;" | NSW || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
|[[2015 State of Origin series#Under-20s|2015]] || style="background:#bcf;" | NSW || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
|[[2016 State of Origin series#Under-20s|2016]] || style="background:#bcf;" | NSW || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
|[[2017 State of Origin series#Under 20s|2017]] || style="background:#bcf;" | NSW || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
|[[2018 State of Origin series#Under 20s|2018]] || style="background:#b03060; color:white;" | QLD || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
|[[2019 State of Origin series#Under 20s|2019]] || style="background:#bcf;" | NSW || 1 || 0 || 0
|}

==Women's State of Origin==
{{main|Women's State of Origin}}
The [[Women's State of Origin]] is the [[Women's rugby league]] version of the game. It has been running since 1999 and was originally known as the Interstate Challenge. From 2005, the Nellie Doherty Cup was awarded to the winner until being replaced with the a shield when the competition was brought under the State of Origin brand in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.qrl.com.au/news/20182/04/19/tickets-on-sale-for-womens-state-of-origin/|title=Tickets on sale for Women's State of Origin|date=19 April 2018|website=QRL|access-date=18 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.qrl.com.au/news/20182/05/182/unprecedented-women-on-friday-night-prime-time/|title=Unprecedented: Women on Friday night prime time|website=QRL|date=18 May 2018|access-date=20 May 2025}}</ref> The Nellie Doherty Medal was introduced as the player of the match award in 2018 and since 2023 it has been awarded to the player of the series.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/06/23/nsw-blues-centre-isabelle-kelly-dedicates-her-state-of-origin-medal-to-her-late-mum/|title=Kelly dedicates Origin medal to her late mum|date=23 June 2018|website=NRL|access-date=18 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/06/22/tazmin-gray-wins-nellie-doherty-medal/ |title=Tazmin Gray wins Nellie Doherty Medal |website=NRL |date=22 June 2023 |access-date=20 May 2025}}</ref>

===Women's Under-19s===
In 2019, a Women's Under 18s match was played as a curtain-raiser to the Women's State of Origin match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2019/06/21/queensland-outmatched-by-nsw-in-under-18s/ |title=Queensland outmatched by NSW in Under 18s |website=Queensland Rugby League |date=21 June 2019 |access-date=18 May 2025}}</ref> In 2021, the first Women's Under 19s State of Origin match was played.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/06/25/berry-blitzes-maroons-to-give-nsw-under-19-victory/ |title=Berry blitzes Maroons to give NSW under 19 victory |website=NRL |date=25 June 2021 |access-date=18 May 2025}}</ref>

==Wheelchair State of Origin==
{{main|Wheelchair State Challenge}}
The first [[wheelchair rugby league]] match between Queensland and New South Wales was played in 2015 as the Wheelchair Interstate Challenge.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2015/06/30/origin-arrives-early/ |title=Origin Arrives Early |publisher=NSWRL |date=30 June 2015 |access-date=18 May 2025}}</ref> Between 2019 and 2022 the matches were played under the State of Origin brand before the competition was renamed as the [[Wheelchair State Challenge]] in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/07/07/nsw-claim-victory-in-wheelchair-state-of-origin/ |title=NSW claim victory in Wheelchair State of Origin |publisher=NRL |date=6 July 2019 |access-date=18 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nswrl.com.au/about/wheelchair-state-of-origin/ |title=Wheelchair State Challenge |publisher=NSWRL |access-date=18 May 2025}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
In an episode of the third season of the [[ABC Kids (Australia)|ABC Kids]] animated series ''[[Bluey (TV series)|Bluey]]'' titled "The Decider", Bluey, her family, and her neighbours Pat, Janelle, Lucky, and Chucky watch a third State of Origin match where Queensland win the series.<ref name="The Guardian - 24 June 2022 - Can it get more Aussie?’: Bluey State of Origin episode tells a relatable tale of a family divided">{{cite news |last1=Sun |first1=Michael |title='Can it get more Aussie?': Bluey State of Origin episode tells a relatable tale of a family divided |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/jun/24/bluey-state-of-origin-episode-the-decider-ray-warren-johnathan-thurston |access-date=21 August 2022 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=24 June 2022}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Sports}}
*[[National Rugby League]]
*[[City vs Country Origin]]
*[[Super League Tri-series]]
*[[International Origin]]
*[[Rugby League War of the Roses]]
*[[State of Origin]]
*[[Rugby league in Australia]]
*[[Affiliated States Championship]]
*[[Australian regional rivalries#New South Wales–Queensland rivalry|Australian regional rivals – NSW vs. QLD]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===History===
# {{note|ref-rugreb}} {{Cite book| author=Fagan, Sean
| title=The Rugby Rebellion
| publisher=RL1908
| year=2005
| isbn=0-9757563-0-3}}
# [https://web.archive.org/web/20100426210545/http://www.rockpoolpublishing.com.au/books.php?name=state-of-origin-30-years-1980-2009 "State of Origin 30 Years: 1980 – 2009"] by Liam Hauser, Rockpool Publishing, {{ISBN|9781921295386}}
# [https://web.archive.org/web/20110514024352/http://rl1908.com/Origin/States.htm "NSW v Queensland: 1908 – 1980"] by Sean Fagan, ''RL1908'', Retrieved 15 November 2005
# {{note|ref-firstorigin}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20110514024502/http://rl1908.com/Origin/1980.htm "The First State of Origin"] by Sean Fagan, ''RL1908'', Retrieved 15 November 2005
# {{note|ref-originhistory}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20110514024422/http://rl1908.com/Origin/history.htm "State of Origin History 1981–2004"] by Sean Fagan, ''RL1908'', Retrieved 15 November 2005
# {{note|ref-originoforigin}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20110528030003/http://www.rl1908.com/Origin/emergence.htm "The Origin of State of Origin"] by Sean Fagan, ''RL1908'', Retrieved 15 November 2005
# {{note|ref-broncos}} {{Cite book| author=Gallaway, Jack
| title=The Brisbane Broncos: The Team To Beat
| publisher=University of Queensland Press
| year=2001
| isbn=0702233420 }}
# {{note|ref-gallaway}} {{Cite book| author=Gallaway, Jack
| title=Origin: Rugby League's Greatest Contest 1980–2002
| publisher=University of Queensland Press
| year=2003
| isbn=0-7022-3383-8}}
# {{note|ref-mcgregor}} {{Cite book| author=McGregor, Adrian
| title=Wally Lewis: Forever the King
| publisher=University of Queensland Press
| year=2004
| isbn=0-7022-3434-6}}
# {{note|ref-crikey2}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20050906191433/http://www.crikey.com.au/articles/2005/04/12-1005-2172.html "Overseas Players and State of Origin"] by Jeff Wall, ''Crikey'' 12 April 2005, Retrieved 18 November 2005
# {{note|ref-crikey}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20060525212816/http://www.crikey.com.au/articles/2005/05/23-1810-4151.html "The Origins of State of Origin"] by Jeff Wall, ''Crikey'' 23 May 2005, Retrieved 15 November 2005
# {{note|ref-hunt}} [http://www.nrl.com/news.cfm?ID=10766 "We Still Want Hunt"]{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} National Rugby League, 21 March 2005, Retrieved 18 November 2005
# {{note|ref-originwebsite}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20091002195933/http://www.stateoforigin.com.au/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=1459 "How it all began"] stateoforigin.com.au, no date, retrieved 8 May 2007

===General records and statistics===
# [https://web.archive.org/web/20100426210545/http://www.rockpoolpublishing.com.au/books.php?name=state-of-origin-30-years-1980-2009 "State of Origin 30 Years: 1980 – 2009"] by Liam Hauser, Rockpool Publishing, {{ISBN|9781921295386}}
# {{note|ref-rec4}}Fagan, Sean (2005) [https://web.archive.org/web/20101227022237/http://www.rl1908.com/Origin/results-origin.htm "State of Origin Results 1980–2005"] ''RL1908'', Retrieved 15 November 2005
# {{note|ref-rec1}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20070928122618/http://www.australianrugbyleague.com.au/index.cgi?sID=2&intArticleID=27&det=1 "History: State of Origin Results 1980–2003"] by the Australian Rugby League, Retrieved 15 November 2005
# {{note|ref-rec2}}[http://www.theroar.com.au/rugby-league/nrl/state-of-origin/ "History"] by The Roar, Retrieved 8 July 2016
# {{note|ref-rec3}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20060209190329/http://qrl.com.au/state_of_origin/records.php "State of Origin Records"] by the Queensland Rugby League, Retrieved 15 November 2005
# {{note|ref-rec5}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20070828083102/http://stats.rleague.com/rl/soo/soo_idx.html "State of Origin Statistics"] by World of Rugby League, Retrieved 15 November 2005
# {{note|ref-rec4}}Official State of Origin website http://www.stateoforigin.com.au, Retrieved 15 November 2006

===Sources disputing the 1987 Los Angeles match===
# {{note|ref-mikecolman}}Colman, Mike (26 November 2005) "Assigning History by asterisks" ''The Courier-Mail'' (page 61)
# {{note|ref-barrydick}}Dick, Barry (16 July 2003) "Origin Battle Rages On and Off the Field" ''The Courier-Mail'' (page 1)

===Player lists===
# {{note|ref-rlwc2000}}[http://www.stateoforigin.com.au/ State of Origin website]

==Further reading==
*{{Cite book
  |author1=Maxwell Leo Howell |author2=Peter Hastie |author3=Reet Howell | title = State of Origin, the first twelve years
  | publisher=Herron
  | year = 1992
  | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=jf5BAAAACAAJ
  | isbn = 9780947163969}}
*{{Cite book
  |author1=Norman Tasker |author2=Australian Rugby Football League |author3=John Macdonald |author4=Mike Colman |author5=Andrew Webster | title = State of Origin: 25 years of sport's greatest rivalry
  | publisher={{sic|Play|right|hide=y}} Publishing
  | year = 2005
  | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=I2bmAAAACAAJ
  | isbn = 9780949853936}}
*{{Cite book
  | last = Helen Elward, [[Graeme Langlands]]
  | title = State of origin: gods of the grounds
  | publisher=Best Legenz
  | year = 2003
  | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=2ksiAAAACAAJ
  | isbn = 9780958043311}}
*{{Cite book
  | last = Harris
  | first = Bret
  | title = Winfield State of Origin 1980–1991
  | publisher=Pan Macmillan
  | year = 1992
  | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=2OUwAAAACAAJ
  | isbn = 9780725106973}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|State of Origin series}}
* [http://www.theroar.com.au/rugby-league/nrl/state-of-origin/ State of Origin news section]
* [https://hughlunn.substack.com/p/the-origin-of-origin#details Hugh Lunn talks about the origin of State of Origin]

{{State of Origin}}
{{Rugby League in Australia links}}
{{Australasian Rugby League links}}

[[Category:State of Origin series| ]]
[[Category:1982 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Rugby league competitions in Australia]]
[[Category:Rugby league rivalries]]
[[Category:Rugby league in Queensland]]
[[Category:Rugby league in New South Wales]]
[[Category:Annual sporting events in Australia]]
[[Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1908]]
[[Category:1908 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Sports leagues established in 1908]]
[[Category:Nine's Wide World of Sports]]
[[Category:Sports rivalries in Australia]]
[[Category:Winter in Australia]]