The NRL’s State of Origin series is not just a sporting contest; it is a clash of culture, pride and legacy. Queensland versus New South Wales. Maroon versus Blue. Cane toad vs cockroach. Few rivalries ignite national passion the way Origin does.
Beyond the on-field fireworks lies a rich tapestry of lesser-known stories and memorable moments. Here is a collection of fascinating sporting trivia that celebrates the colour, drama and uniqueness of State of Origin.
1. First Ever Try Scorer in State of Origin History
The first official State of Origin match under Origin selection rules was played on July 8, 1980. Queensland winger Kerry Boustead scored the first try of the Origin era. Boustead, born in Innisfail, Queensland, was one of the youngest ever to represent Australia and was a key figure in legitimising the concept.
2. State of Origin’s Record-Breaking Crowd
The highest attendance ever recorded for a State of Origin match was at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2015. A staggering crowd of 91,513 fans packed the MCG to watch Game II, making it the largest crowd in Origin history. This match not only demonstrated the event’s national appeal but also showcased Melbourne’s growing passion for rugby league.
3. State of Origin Has Been Played Across Australia and Beyond
Although Origin is a Queensland versus New South Wales rivalry, matches have been played across Australia and even internationally:
- Melbourne has hosted over a dozen games, with huge turnouts at the MCG and Marvel Stadium.
- Perth joined the host list in 2019 at Optus Stadium.
- Adelaide Oval first hosted in 2020.
- An exhibition match was held in Long Beach, California in 1987 to promote the game.
4. Billy Slater’s Iconic 2004 Try Was Improvised Genius
In Game II of the 2004 series, Billy Slater scored a try that is now part of Origin folklore. After receiving a chip from Darren Lockyer, Slater accelerated, chipped over Anthony Minichiello and regathered to score. The move was instinctive rather than rehearsed and showed his footballing intelligence at just 20 years of age.
5. Paul Gallen’s Punch Sparked a Ban
In 2013, Paul Gallen punched Queensland’s Nate Myles during Game I. That incident was a catalyst for the NRL’s crackdown on punching. Within weeks, a new rule was introduced to sin-bin any player who threw a punch. Gallen’s moment became a defining flashpoint in modern Origin discipline.
6. Biggest Winning Margin Belongs to Queensland
Queensland recorded the biggest victory in Origin history in Game III of 2015. They thrashed New South Wales 52–6 at Suncorp Stadium. It was a statement performance in a decider, and remains one of the most dominant displays seen in the series.
7. Shortest Origin Career Belongs to Adam Muir
Adam Muir played just one game for New South Wales in 1995 and lasted only 16 minutes before being knocked out. It was an unfortunate end to what many believed could have been a long Origin career.
8. Coaches Who Never Played Origin
Wayne Bennett, one of Queensland’s most celebrated coaches, never played in an Origin game. His coaching career at the Origin level has spanned decades, with series wins in 1987, 1988, 1989, 1998, 2001 and 2020.
9. State of Origin Players Who Played for Both States
While current eligibility rules prevent players from switching sides, several players appeared for both Queensland and New South Wales in the early years:
- Trevor Gillmeister played for NSW under residential rules in 1983 and later for Queensland under Origin eligibility.
- Tony Currie and Steve Rogers also crossed sides due to changing selection policies.
10. Cameron Smith’s Longevity
Cameron Smith holds the record for the most State of Origin appearances with 42 games for Queensland between 2003 and 2017. During his time, Queensland won 11 series, and Smith captained the side for most of that era.
11. Female Officials Make History
In 2020, Belinda Sharpe and Kasey Badger made history as the first female officials appointed to Origin matches, serving as touch judges. Their presence was applauded as a step forward for gender representation in rugby league officiating.
State of Origin embodies more than mere sport. It is a theatre of rivalry, a showcase of excellence, and a breeding ground for legends. The stories that lie beneath the scoreboard are what make the series so enduring.
Whether you support the Blues or the Maroons, there is always something new to learn and admire about this most Australian of spectacles.
