Unofficial Holidays

Clubs History

Queensland Maroons

The Queensland Maroons represent the state in rugby league's annual State of Origin series. Established in 1908, their modern history transformed in 1980 with the birth of the Origin concept, allowing Queensland-born players in foreign leagues to return home. They have since built a dominant 25-17 series win-loss record.

For more information, you could try searching Maroons History

New South Wales Blues

The New South Wales (NSW) Blues is the representative rugby league team for the Australian state of New South Wales. Famous for their sky blue jerseys, they compete in the annual, best-of-three State of Origin series against their arch-rivals, the Queensland Maroons

For more information, you could try searching NSW Blues History

State Of Origin

State of Origin is a three-match rugby league series played annually in Australia between Queensland (the Maroons) and New South Wales (the Blues). That's it. Two states. Three games. Absolute war. The concept is simple: players represent the state where they first played senior rugby league, not the team they currently play for. That eligibility rule is what makes the whole thing special. Club rivalries get parked. Players who are teammates at NRL level become opponents. The stakes are different. Queensland's squad is drawn from NRL clubs like the Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys, Gold Coast Titans, and any Queensland-qualified players at clubs elsewhere. The Maroons have historically punched above their weight given the population difference between the two states. Queensland lead the all-time count heading into 2026 with 25 series wins compared to 17 for New South Wales, with two series drawn. They also won the 2025 series, so they come into this year as defending champions. NSW pulls from the largest pool of NRL talent in the competition. Sydney clubs like the Sydney Roosters, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Wests Tigers, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, and Newcastle Knights all contribute to the Blues' roster, along with players from further afield including the New Zealand Warriors for any NSW-qualified players. Getting your NRL club's players into Origin is a badge of honour. It's also why following the NRL regular season gives you so much more context when the series comes around.