State of Origin : 2023

A competition that holds less for me than it used to do still draws huge interest in Australia. It started in 1980, pitting two states in Australia against each other. Players are eligible according to where they are born rather than where they play professionally. 

Technically NSW should do better with a larger playing pool but sport doesn't necessarily work like that. There are thirteen players on the field at a given moment and it all comes down to them, and four more on the bench as rotating replacements.

Game One: 48,613 fans at the neutral city of Adelaide saw Queensland take a 1-0 lead in the series with a 26-18 victory. They lead 10-6 at the break so little in it. 

Game Two: 52,433 turned up in Brisbane to witness the home side secure a comfortable win 32-6 (Half time 10-0). This ensured that Queensland won the series and left NSW looking rather ordinary.

Game Three: 75,342 spectators came along to see if NSW could redeem themselves. They were ahead 18-10 at the change of ends and went on to win 24-10, looking the better side in the process.

Summary: Overall, Queensland won two games to one and the combined scores were 68-48. They deserved their success and were better at turning opportunities into points. There is little between the sides as is the case historically but Queensland finds a way to win.

Fun facts: Over the 128 matches held since its inception, using percentages it show points scored are even at 50% - 50%. It favours Queensland for match wins 54 - 2 - 44 and series wins 59 - 5 - 36.