2013 state of Origin

The Queensland team . AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Often considered the pinnacle of Australian rugby league,State Of Origin is one of Australia’s premier sporting events, often played in front of sold-out stadiums. The series itself is contested between New South Wales and Queensland, who have formed an epic rivalry that has seen the series produce the toughest and most skilful Rugby League in the world. Since its inception in 1980, the results between NSW and QLD have been extraordinarily even, adding further emphasis to the competition’s success. Overall the Maroons have won 17 series compared to the Blues 12. In games won, the Maroons hold an eight-game advantage over the Blues with 51 wins compared to 43 for NSW.

In the 2012 State of Origin series NSW and Queensland headed to Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, with the series locked at 1-1 after NSW won the second encounter 16-12 at ANZ Stadium. Queensland won the decider 21-20 in a nailbiting finish to claim a record seventh consecutive State of Origin series victory, having held the series since 2006.

In November 2012 the Australian Rugby League Commission announced a five-year schedule, with NSW and Queensland both being awarded two series in which they would host two home matches, with the remaining series having a game hosted at a neutral venue. NSW will host two-game home series in 2013 and 2016 while Queensland will host two-game home series in 2014 and 2017. In 2015 each side will host one game, with the Australian Rugby League Commission currently in negotiations with the Victorian Major Events Company to have the match held at a Melbourne venue. The announcement was controversially received by Queensland, who had originally been scheduled to host two matches at Suncorp Stadium before the ALRC’s decision in November 2012.

In 2013 NSW will host games one (June 5) and three (July 17) at ANZ Stadium while Queensland will host game two (June 26) at Suncorp Stadium, with tickets for the two ANZ Stadium matches expected to be available from early December, 2012. The on-sale date for the Suncorp Stadium has yet to be confirmed.