State vs state, mate vs mate. It’s back for its 43rd instalment in 2024. Here’s your ultimate guide to rugby league’s peak spectacle.
It’s the sporting spectacle most capable of dividing and uniting the nation.
Every June and July, tempers flare and fireworks fly as Australia’s fiercest rivalry kicks off.
In recent years, Billy Slater has reignited the Queensland Maroons dominance of State of Origin, returning the shield to the Sunshine state in two consecutive series.
His side is equal parts youthful and frightening, and in Reece Walsh he has a confident, enigmatic fullback the former Storm man can mould in his style.
South of the border it’s a different story.
Brad Fittler, New South Wales’ second most successful coach, has vacated the coaching role he held for six series.
The once adored coach, who restored origin pride in the NSW jersey, departs a shadow of his former self, thanks in part to his failure to maintain the momentum of the state’s record-breaking 2021 series.
In his wake, Michael Maguire, the man who returned premiership glory to South Sydney in 2014, looks the likeliest candidate to take on the herculean task of returning the state’s origin pride.
Maguire’s task will be made all the more easier by the lights out form of Penrith star, Nathan Cleary, who showcased his unlimited ceiling in the closing moments of a monumental grand final comeback against the Brisbane Broncos in the 2023 NRL Grand Final.
The former Souths coach will have tough decisions to make, notably at the fullback and lock positions. James Tedesco has a claim as the state’s greatest ever number one, but a dip in club form, and the continual rise of Penrith star, Dylan Edwards, means the boy from Albury is breathing down the current captains neck.
At lock, Isaah Yeo is undoubtedly one of the games premier locks. His game at club level perfectly mixes the ball playing required of a modern day 13, as well as the tough tackling and hard-running that form the position’s foundation.
Much like Tedesco, Yeo has fierce competition for his position. Cameron Murray, a man Maguire gave his NRL debut in 2017, is another elite NRL lock. So much so, the Souths captain was favoured over the Penrith man in game three of the 2023 series.
All these questions will be answered in due course. For rugby league fans unable to contain their excitement at the return of State of Origin for another year, here’s everything you need to know about 2024’s series.
When and where are the 2024 State of Origin games?
Sydney’s Accor Stadium will host the opening match of the series, before the game goes to Victoria for the first time since 2018. The final game of the series will take place in Suncorp Stadium, the venue widely viewed as the home of State of Origin.
State of Origin’s 2024 schedule
Game one: Wednesday, June 5, Accor Stadium, Sydney, 8:05pm
Game two: Wednesday, June 26, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, 8:05pm
Game three: Wednesday, July 17, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 8:05pm
NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, said “State of Origin has had some amazing moments in Melbourne, from the first game held at the MCG in 1994, right up until the last game in 2018.”
“State of Origin is the biggest rivalry in Australian sport and to be able to play at the iconic MCG is a great opportunity for fans as we all eagerly await another captivating series in 2024.”
How did the 2023 series fare?
In a return to the Origin formalities of old, Queensland ran home convincing 2-1 series winners. Billy Slater’s side were boosted by the performances of Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who excelled in an unfamiliar left centre role. The pair simply blew New South Wales apart with their speed and guile.
Up front, Wally Lewis medal winner, Reuben Cotter, was imperious throughout the series, particularly in an unfamiliar back-row role throughout game two. The Cowboys middle made more tackles (136) than any other player in the series and ran for a total of 328 metres throughout the series.
What is the overall State of Origin series tally?
Of the 42 full series that have been contested between New South Wales and Queensland up to 2023, unsurprisingly the Sunshine state has won 24 to New South Wales’ 16, while two have ended in draws.
A large part of Queensland’s success came between 2006 and 2013, when they famously won eight series in a row.
How can I watch State of Origin
Tickets for the 2024 series are available via the NRL website.
Alternatively, the games will be broadcast on Channel 9 and available to stream via 9Now.
