Everything You Need to Know About the State of Origin Series
Since 1982, the State of Origin series has swiftly become one of Australia’s leading sporting events with a legion of fans from around the world.
With the 2020 State of Origin in full swing, Palmerbet has rounded up everything you need to know about the annual event from its exciting history to expert betting tips.
What is the State of Origin series?
The State of Origin is an annual best-of-three rugby league series between two Australian state representative sides: New South Wales and Queensland. It is now one of Australia’s most highly-anticipated sporting events of the year.
Widely regarded as the highlight of the rugby league, each game attracts impressive crowds – both in the stadium and behind the television screen.
The teams are widely referred to as the Blues and Maroons after the respective colours of their jerseys.
The history behind the State of Origin series
Interstate matches between New South Wales and Queensland date back to 1908.
New South Wales came out on top at most games though Queensland won 11 times out of 12 matches during 1922 to 1925.
But by the late 1970s, the games lost their shine with small crowds and midweek matches.
In a bid to reignite their spark, former Queensland captain Jack Reardon suggested that players should be selected to play for the state they originate from rather than their current place of residence.
After a little convincing, the idea was eventually endorsed by QRL Chairman Ron Macauliffe.
It is widely accepted that the State of Origins’ success was dependent on Queensland winning the inaugural game. The state also took home the title the following year. This helped to cement the new format with renewed public interest bringing about greater financial incentives.
The three-game State of Origin series officially began in 1982 and has been held every year since.
Fun facts about the State of Origin
- As previously mentioned, Queensland won the first State of Origin match back in 1980 with a score of 20-10. Interestingly, the state currently holds the record for the longest winning streak of the two sides with nine trophies won between 2006 to 2013.
- In 1987, a State of Origin match took place in Long Beach, California. To date, this is the only game to have ever been held outside of Australia.
- It wasn’t until 1999 that there was a tie between the two Australian states with a final score of 10-10.
- New South Wales holds the record for the most points in a series after bagging 146 back in 2000.
- Ben Ikin is the youngest State of Origin player in history after playing for Queensland at just 18-years-old.
- In 2013, the State of Origin series attracted a higher Australian television audience than any other sporting event.
- In 2015, 91,513 people arrived for the second match at Melbourne Cricket Ground – the largest crowd in State of Origin history.
- Cameron Smith and Darren Lockyer share the title for the highest number of games played on behalf of Queensland with 36 matches under their belt.
- Mal Meninga is the longest serving coach in State of Origin history after leaving Queensland for 10 years (that’s a total of 30 matches). He retired in 2015.
The 2020 State of Origin series
For the first time in its history, the 2020 State of Origin series could not go ahead in the middle of the season as originally planned due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Instead, the series will now be played on consecutive Wednesday nights throughout November on the 4th, 11th and 18th at the following venues: Adelaide Oval, ANZ Stadium and Suncorp Stadium.
Prior to this series, Queensland has won 21 times whilst New South Wales has taken home the trophy 15 times. Two series have resulted in a draw so far.
2020 State of Origin series tips and bets
Whether you support the Blues or Maroons, Palmerbet should be your first point of call on the search for the latest 2020 State of Origin tips and bets. Check out the Palmerbet blog for exciting match previews, insightful State of Origin analysis and top betting tips from leading rugby league experts.