State of Origin: NSW vs QLD Rivalry

Few sporting rivalries in Australia – or indeed the world – can match the intensity, passion, and tribal loyalty inspired by Rugby League's State of Origin series. Since its inception in 1980, the annual three-game contest between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons has transcended sport to become a cultural phenomenon that divides a nation along state lines.

The Origin of the Origin

The concept of State of Origin was born from a desire to level the playing field in interstate matches. Prior to 1980, interstate games were dominated by New South Wales, largely because many of Queensland's best players had moved to play in the more lucrative Sydney competition and were therefore representing NSW rather than their home state.

The revolutionary idea behind State of Origin was that players would represent the state where they first played senior rugby league – their state of "origin" – rather than the state where they currently played. This simple but profound change transformed an uneven contest into arguably the fiercest rivalry in Australian sport.

The first official State of Origin match was played on July 8, 1980, at Lang Park in Brisbane. With Queensland's best players finally able to don the maroon jersey, they secured a convincing 20-10 victory, setting the stage for decades of intense competition to come.

The Eight-Year Dynasty: Queensland's Golden Era

From 2006 to 2013, Queensland established an unprecedented period of dominance, winning eight consecutive series. This remarkable achievement was orchestrated by coach Mal Meninga and led on the field by a generation of all-time greats including Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, and Greg Inglis.

This dynasty not only secured Queensland's place in rugby league folklore but also deepened the blues' determination to reclaim Origin supremacy, adding another layer to the already fierce rivalry.

Iconic Moments That Defined the Rivalry

Over four decades, the Origin arena has produced countless moments of brilliance, controversy, and raw emotion that have become etched in Australian sporting history:

• Mark Coyne's "Miracle Try" (1994): With seconds remaining in Game 1 of the 1994 series, Queensland executed a spectacular sequence of passes that culminated in Mark Coyne scoring in the corner to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Commentator Ray Warren's call of "That's not a try, that's a miracle!" perfectly captured the moment.
• The Cattledog (1997): When NSW forward Tommy Raudonikis instructed his team to yell "Cattledog" as the signal to instigate an all-in brawl, he cemented Origin's reputation for physical intensity. The resulting melee has become one of the most memorable in the series' history.
• Wally Lewis vs Mark Geyer (1991): The face-to-face confrontation between Queensland captain Wally "The King" Lewis and NSW enforcer Mark Geyer symbolized the raw passion and interstate rivalry, with neither man willing to back down in an iconic display of Origin intensity.
• Gallen Breaks the Drought (2014): After eight years of Queensland dominance, NSW captain Paul Gallen finally lifted the Origin shield in 2014, bringing emotional relief to long-suffering Blues supporters.
• Johnathan Thurston's Farewell (2017): JT's final series showcased his legendary status, as he kicked the winning conversion in Game 2 with a shoulder so badly injured that it ended his Origin career, embodying the courage and determination associated with the Maroon jersey.

State of Origin at Sports Bar AU

At Sports Bar AU, State of Origin nights have become legendary events that capture the electric atmosphere of these epic encounters. Our venue transforms into a sea of blue and maroon as passionate supporters gather to cheer on their state.

Our State of Origin viewing parties feature:

• Multiple Viewing Zones: With over 20 screens throughout the venue, you won't miss a moment of the action, no matter where you're seated.
• Team-Themed Food and Drinks: Special blue and maroon cocktails, and regional food specialties from NSW and Queensland are available on Origin nights only.
• Pre-Game Entertainment: Live analysis from former Origin players, trivia contests, and prize giveaways add to the excitement before kick-off.
• Half-Time Activities: Challenge your mates to Origin-themed games and competitions during the break.
• Post-Match Celebrations: Stay after the final whistle for live music and continue the celebration (or commiseration) with fellow fans.

Origin Traditions

Part of what makes State of Origin so special is the traditions that have developed around the series:

• The Anthem Debate: The playing of the national anthem before Origin matches has been a topic of ongoing discussion, highlighting the cultural significance of the event beyond sport.
• Origin Selections: The announcement of teams becomes a national talking point, with selections scrutinized by fans and media across both states.
• The Captain's Run: The final training session before each match is a significant media event, offering hints about team strategies and player fitness.
• The Jersey Presentation: The ceremonial awarding of jerseys to players, often by former Origin greats, emphasizes the honor of representing one's state.
• Post-Series Celebrations: The victorious team's celebrations, particularly the traditional visit to the state's political leader, have become a fixture of Origin culture.

The Future of Origin

As we look ahead to the 2025 series, the State of Origin concept continues to evolve while maintaining its core appeal. The introduction of women's State of Origin in 2018 has expanded the tradition, creating new pathways and rivalries.

The debate about expansion – possibly including teams from other states or international participation – continues, though traditionalists favor maintaining the Queensland vs New South Wales format that has proven so successful.

What remains certain is that State of Origin will continue to capture the imagination of sports fans across Australia, with its unique blend of skill, passion, and tribal loyalty providing unmissable sporting theater.

Experience Origin at Sports Bar AU

Whether you're blue to the bone or maroon through and through, Sports Bar AU offers the ultimate venue to experience the emotion and excitement of State of Origin. Our state-of-the-art audio-visual setup ensures you feel like you're right there in the stadium, while our range of food and beverages keeps you fueled throughout the contest.

Book early for our 2025 Origin events – these nights sell out quickly! Contact us to reserve your table or area for what promises to be another historic chapter in rugby league's greatest rivalry.