For five weeks in the middle of winter, State of Origin football brings the nation to a standstill.
Queenslander or New South Welshman, the series captivates sports fans across Australia, as the 34 best players in the NRL battled it out for ultimate bragging rights.
For 38 years, the battle between maroon and blue has extended to all-out war as both teams put their bodies on the line to reap glory for their state.
WHERE WILL THE 2019 STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES BE PLAYED?
GAME 1
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Queensland def. NSW 18-14. Queensland leads the series 1-0.
GAME II
Optus Stadium, Perth.
Sunday, June 23
NSW won 38-6 and evened the series
GAME III
ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Wednesday, July 10
WHAT TIME DOES STATE OF ORIGIN START?
Game 1, to be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Wednesday June 5, kicked off at 8:10pm AEST.
Game 2, to be played at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday June 23, kicked off at 7:50pm AEST.
QUEENSLAND STATE OF ORIGIN SIDE FOR GAME I
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Corey Oates 3. Michael Morgan 4. Will Chambers 5. Dane Gagai 6. Cameron Munster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Jai Arrow 9. Ben Hunt 10. Josh Papalii 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh McGuire Interchange: 14. Moses Mbye 15. Dylan Napa 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. David Fifita
NSW STATE OF ORIGIN SIDE FOR GAME I
1. James Tedesco 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Josh Morris 5. Nick Cotric 6. Cody Walker 7. Nathan Cleary 8. David Klemmer 9. Damien Cook 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Jake Trbojevic Interchange: 14. Jack Wighton 15. Payne Haas 16. Cameron Murray 17. Angus Crichton
QUEENSLAND STATE OF ORIGIN SIDE FOR GAME II
Queensland Maroons: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Corey Oates 3. Michael Morgan 4. Will Chambers 5. Dane Gagai 6. Cameron Munster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c) 8. Dylan Napa 9. Ben Hunt 10. Josh Papalii 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh McGuire Interchange: 14. Moses Mbye 15. Jarrod Wallace 16. Tim Glasby 17. David Fifita
NSW STATE OF ORIGIN SIDE FOR GAME II
NSW Blues: 1. James Tedesco 2. Blake Ferguson 3. Tom Trbojevic 4. Jack Wighton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. James Maloney 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Damien Cook 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Boyd Cordner (c) 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Jake Trbojevic Interchange: 14.Dale Finucane 15. Tariq Sims 16. Cameron Murray 17. Wade Graham
QUEENSLAND STATE OF ORIGIN SIDE FOR GAME III
In alphabetical order: Will Chambers, Melbourne Storm; Daly Cherry-Evans (c), Manly Warringah Sea Eagles; David Fifita, Brisbane Broncos; Dane Gagai, South Sydney Rabbitohs' Matt Gillett, Brisbane Broncos; Tim Glasby, Newcastle Knights; Ben Hunt, St George Illawarra Dragons; Felise Kaufusi, Melbourne Storm; Moses Mbye, Wests Tigers; Josh McGuire, North Queensland Cowboys; Michael Morgan, North Queensland Cowboys; Cameron Munster, Melbourne Storm; Corey Norman, St George Illawarra Dragons; Corey Oates, Brisbane Broncos; Joe Ofahengaue, Brisbane Broncos; Josh Papalii, Canberra Raiders; Christian Welch, Melbourne Storm
NSW STATE OF ORIGIN SIDE FOR GAME III
The Blues named an unchaged side for game III - pending Tariq Sims' judiciary appeal. James Tedesco 2. Blake Ferguson 3. Tom Trbojevic 4. Jack Wighton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. James Maloney 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Damien Cook 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Boyd Cordner (c) 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Jake Trbojevic Interchange: 14.Dale Finucane 15. Tariq Sims 16. Cameron Murray 17. Wade Graham
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM SAGA: WILL PLAYERS SING AND DOES IT MATTER?
Just as he did while playing with the Indigenous All Stars earlier in the year, Cody Walker won't sing the national anthem before State of Origin game one on June 5.
New South Wales State of Origin coach Brad Fittler says Cody Walker is free to make his own decision on whether or not to sing the national anthem.
"When the national anthem comes on, I sing it, and I feel like I'm the only one singing it," Fittler said on The Big Sports Breakfast.
"I don't think he's the only one not singing it. There's a lot of people who don't seem to like our song.
"That's his view. It's purely up to himself."
Josh Addo-Carr then joined his New South Wales teammate in taking a stance over the national anthem.
Then Johnathan Thurston joined in, giving his full support.
On the Queensland side, Will Chambers will be staying silent as well.
WHY SOME NEW SOUTH WALES PLAYERS DIDN'T ATTEND BONDING SESSIONS
Debutant playmaker Cody Walker gave the session a miss, as did captain Boyd Cordner and St George Illawarra forward Paul Vaughan.
Walker gave up drinking earlier this season - a decision that saw his form surge over the past two months.
Captain Cordner also stayed back at the team hotel in Bondi in order to focus on the series ahead.
Vaughan has also given up the grog to avoid aggravating an ankle injury.
WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE 2018 STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES?
While the last decade had been dominated by the men north of the border, the rivalry remained as strong as ever in 2018, if not stronger, as the Blues desperately tried to overturn the nightmares inflicted by Queensland in 11 of the last 12 series.
MORE: Game I results, highlights and analysis | Game II results, highlights and analysis | Game III results, highlights and analysis
The series itself provided a breathtaking respite from the stop-and-start nature of the club season, which also encouraged the NRL to hold a standalone Origin match on a weekend for the first time in 17 years.
Regardless of date or venue, both sides sacrificed blood, sweat and tears across three bruising games.
With the Blues winning Game I at the MCG , the Maroons faced an uphill battle to level the series in Sydney, with the rivalry set to take yet another turn.
However, Fittler's men sealed the deal on home turf , taking an unassailable series lead heading to Brisbane.
With the Blues eyeing off a whitewash, Queensland sent retiring hero Billy Slater out a winner in Game III .
WHAT WERE THE VENUES FOR THE 2018 STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES?
GAME I
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne VIC
NSW def. Queensland 22-12. NSW led the series 1-0.
GAME II
ANZ Stadium, Sydney NSW
NSW def. Queensland 18-14. NSW led the series 2-0.
GAME III
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane QLD
Queensland def. NSW 18-12. NSW won the series 2-1.
WHAT WERE THE DATES AND KICK-OFF TIMES FOR THE 2018 STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES?
GAME I
Wednesday 6th June, 2018 ( Kick-off: 8:00pm)
NSW def. Queensland 22-12. NSW led the series 1-0.
GAME II
Sunday 24th June, 2018 ( Kick-off: 7:40pm)
NSW def. Queensland 18-14. NSW led the series 2-0.
GAME III
Wednesday 11th July, 2018 ( Kick-off: 8:00pm)
Queensland def. NSW 18-12. NSW won the series 2-1.
HOW DID STATE OF ORIGIN GAME I FINISH?
The Blues won 22-12 in front of 87,122 at the 'G, with an injury-depleted Maroons outfit managing just one line break.
The good news is there were only five penalties; the penalty apocalypse never eventuated.
In terms of talking points, how about that pass from James Maloney for the match-sealer ? What about Greg Inglis putting on hits so savage that are almost certainly illegal in some countries? Or the knee of Will Chambers sending Damien Cook to the cleaners , which ended up with the Queensland centre copping a ban ? Or even the commentators? Well, a certain fan favourite didn't have his best night.
It was all happening at the MCG!
Catch up on the play-by-play here with our blog .
HOW DID STATE OF ORIGIN GAME II FINISH?
As the final siren rang around ANZ Stadium, Fittler's Baby Blues embraced, knowing they had achieved something special.
The game was a vintage Origin classic, with the 18-14 result the only numbers that mattered for NSW.
However, from Dane Gagai's disallowed try , to Boyd Cordner's penalty try - that irked Johnathan Thurston and engaged peak Phil Gould authority in the comms box - to Latrell Mitchell's monster hit on Cameron Munster , all the way to Kalyn Ponga's spellbinding debut , it was the game that had it all.
While Queensland's decision-making was questioned by some , with Ben Hunt at the centre of the criticism , it was a rough night for the Maroons, who slumped to only their second series loss in 13 years. However, Alfie Langer's care for a concussed Cordner late in the game was all class.
Regardless, in front of 82,223 screaming spectators, the Blues had won a ripping game, and with it, sealed a well-deserved series win.
Catch up on the play-by-play here with our blog .
HOW DID STATE OF ORIGIN GAME III FINISH?
Fittler's Blues had already wrapped up the series - but NSW had desires of a whitewash.
Meanwhile, the Maroons only had desires of sending Billy Slater out a winner, with the champion fullback calling it quits from the Origin arena.
In a pulsating game at Suncorp Stadium in front of 51,214 fans, Tyson Frizell showed his lightning pace , Josh McGuire , James Maloney and Tariq Sims had big brainfarts, and the Maroons eked out a gritty six-point win.
However, despite the glory of Queensland's win and the Blues' series victory, many turned their attention to the controversy surrounding Slater's selection as player of the series , despite the veteran playing just two of three games. Slater himself was bemused by the honour , while others argued that Queensland bias was on show . However, former Blues coach Laurie Daley - who was one of the judges for the medal - explained how Slater got the gong .
Catch up on the play-by-play here with our blog .
WHO WERE THE MATCH OFFICIALS FOR THE 2018 STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES?
GAME I
Referees: Gerard Sutton (lead), Ashley Klein (assist)
Touch judges: Nick Beashel, Brett Suttor
Bunker: Steve Chiddy (senior review official), Ben Galea (review official)
Standby: Ben Cummins
GAME II
Referees: Gerard Sutton (lead), Ashley Klein (assist)
Touch judges: Nick Beashel, Brett Suttor
Bunker: Steve Chiddy (senior review official), Ben Galea (review official)
Standby: Ben Cummins
GAME III
Referees: Gerard Sutton (lead), Ashley Klein (assist)
Touch judges: Chris Butler, Brett Suttor
Bunker: Steve Chiddy (senior review official), Ben Galea (review official)
Standby: Ben Cummins
WHAT DID THE 2018 NEW SOUTH WALES ORIGIN TEAM LOOK LIKE?
Brad Fittler opted for youth over experience, with 11 players making their Origin debuts for the Blues in Game I.
NSW squad for Game I : 1. James Tedesco, 2. Tom Trbojevic, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. James Roberts, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. James Maloney, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 11. Boyd Cordner (c), 12. Tyson Frizell, 13. Jack De Belin
Interchange: 14. Paul Vaughan, 15. Jake Trbojevic, 16. Angus Crichton, 17. Tyrone Peachey
NSW squad for Game II: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Tom Trbojevic, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. James Roberts, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. James Maloney, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Matt Prior, 11. Boyd Cordner (c), 12. Tyson Frizell, 13. Jack De Belin
Interchange: 14. Paul Vaughan, 15. Jake Trbojevic, 16. Angus Crichton, 17. Tyrone Peachey
NSW squad for Game III: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Tom Trbojevic, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. James Roberts, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. James Maloney, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Boyd Cordner (c), 12. Tyson Frizell, 13. Jack De Belin
Interchange: 14. Tariq Sims, 15. Jake Trbojevic, 16. Angus Crichton, 17. Tyrone Peachey
Reserve: 18. Ryan James
CAMPBELL-GILLARD OUT, PRIOR A BOLT FROM THE BLUE
Latrell Mitchell looked like he would be facing an uphill battle to make the squad for Game II after he suffered an apparent neck injury during the Roosters' round 15 win over Penrith . However, Mitchell recovered, and retained his Blues spot.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard wasn't afforded the same luck after he broke his jaw in the same game .
Matt Prior came to the rescue for Brad Fittler, with the Sharks prop fast-tracked into the Game II starting line-up. Titans skipper Ryan James was unlucky not to make the team, with Fittler saying Prior's like-for-like playing style with Campbell-Gillard was a factor in his selection .
SIMS GETS HIS CHANCE, BUT JAMES MISSES OUT AGAIN
Matt Prior's Origin career was brief, yet successful, having helped the Blues seal the series in Sydney.
However, the Cronulla veteran lost his starting spot to Paul Vaughan, while being demoted completely to make way for Tariq Sims, who finally got his chance in the Origin arena.
Extraordinarily, the Dragons second-rower was NSW's 13th debutant in the series.
MISSING THE WHITEWASH
Much had been made about NSW's chance to create history on Maroons home turf, with Fittler's side staring at the possibility of inacting the ultimate humiliation on Queensland - claiming a series clean sweep in enemy territory.
In 36 previous Origin series before 2018, just seven had ended in clean sweeps, the most recent being in 2010 when the Maroons put Craig Bellamy's Blues to the sword.
Fittler remained coy about his side's chances in Brisbane , but the stats were up against NSW - before 2018, of the 17 times a side wrapped up the series after the first two games, 10 times had teams stumbled at the final hurdle.
James Maloney had been one of the most vocal on NSW's chances at a whitewash, saying a Blues clean sweep would leave some hefty scars behind for the Maroons .
However, Maloney had a shocker in Brisbane , and the Blues missed out on the clean sweep. How quickly the world moves.
Regardless, a series win was the ultimate reward for Fittler's young side.
WHAT DID THE 2018 QUEENSLAND ORIGIN TEAM LOOK LIKE?
Queensland coach Kevin Walters named a largely-predictable side for Game I of this year's series, with some expected names handed Maroons jerseys following a number of key retirements.
Queensland squad for Game I : 14. Michael Morgan, 2. Valentine Holmes, 3. Will Chambers, 4. Greg Inglis (c), 5. Dane Gagai, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Dylan Napa, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Jarrod Wallace, 11. Gavin Cooper, 12. Felise Kaufusi, 13. Josh McGuire
Interchange: 15. Josh Papalii, 16. Coen Hess, 17. Jai Arrow, 19. Anthony Milford
Queensland squad for Game II: 1. Billy Slater, 2. Valentine Holmes, 3. Will Chambers, 4. Greg Inglis (c), 5. Dane Gagai, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Dylan Napa, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Jarrod Wallace, 11. Gavin Cooper, 12. Felise Kaufusi, 13. Josh McGuire
Interchange: 14. Kalyn Ponga, 15. Josh Papalii, 16. Coen Hess, 17. Jai Arrow
Queensland squad for Game III : 1. Billy Slater (c), 2. Valentine Holmes, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Will Chambers, 5. Corey Oates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Jai Arrow, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Josh Papalii, 11. Gavin Cooper, 12. Felise Kaufusi, 13. Josh McGuire
Interchange : 14. Ben Hunt, 15. Jarrod Wallace, 16. Coen Hess, 17. Tim Glasby
CAMERON SMITH'S RETIREMENT
Yep, this actually happened.
Just two weeks prior to the 2018 series opener, Queensland skipper Cameron Smith announced his representative retirement .
Smith's representative retirement left a massive void for Queensland to fill, with Andrew McCullough later confirmed as his replacement in the No.9 jersey.
Mal Meninga and Kevin Walters , among others, sparked discussions about who would assume the Queensland and Australian captaincies.
Greg Inglis was later confirmed as the Maroons' new skipper.
BILLY SLATER'S RETIREMENT
In another bombshell, long-time Queensland fullback Billy Slater announced he would join Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk in representative retirement.
The 2018 Origin series will be Slater's last in the maroon jersey .
THE DARIUS BOYD SAGA
With 28 games and 17 tries, few players have been more prolific at Origin level than Darius Boyd.
However, the Broncos skipper - a loyal servant for the Maroons since his debut in 2008 - was left out of Kevin Walters' plans for the 2018 series opener, all but ending Boyd's glittering representative career.
Walters initially suggested Boyd was in the frame for selection , but the Maroons coach axed the veteran from his final side for the series opener .
Retiring Queensland fullback Billy Slater was adamant Boyd's representative career still has life left in it after he endorsed him as his successor for next year's series.
However, it was revealed that once Slater was ruled out with injury , with Kalyn Ponga and Anthony Milford called into the squad, Boyd palmed away Walters' SOS call to join the Queensland camp and chose to go on holiday instead .
As the dust settled from the Melbourne game, Boyd landed an almighty dagger to Walters' heart in announcing his representative retirement, effective immediately .
Walters later admitted Boyd’s rep retirement caught him off guard , considering the Brisbane fullback had informed him that returning to the Origin fold was one of his top priorities.
QUEENSLAND'S GAME I INJURY CRISIS
Yes, it was an injury crisis. Mark it down. It was all too real, and it was all happening at the same time.
Initially, the quest began for Kevin Walters to replace retired heroes Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk.
Ben Hunt was chosen as Thurston's successor - but he was battling with a thigh cork, even after professing he will play .
Billy Slater, who will retire from rep footy at the series' end, was ruled out of Game I with a hamstring strain . The day before the game, Michael Morgan was named as Slater's replacement at fullback.
Then, Dane Gagai was put under a serious injury cloud after he dislocated his finger on Tuesday at the captain's run. However, Gagai played in Game I and scored a try.
MORGAN OUT, PONGA IN
Michael Morgan's bicep injury suffered during the Cowboys' round 15 loss to the Warriors opened the door to a maiden Queensland cap for Knights young gun Kalyn Ponga .
The 20-year-old had beaten down the door for Game I selection following the injury to Billy Slater, only to miss out to Anthony Milford.
Ponga got his chance in maroon for the crucial Sydney clash, albeit in a utility role, with Slater confirming he will be fit to play in Sydney .
The Knights fullback brought his dazzling NRL form into the rep arena , and asked questions of the Blues in his cameo in Game II.
HUNT LOSES HIS NO.7 JERSEY TO CHERRY-EVANS
We asked the question: Is Ben Hunt under the most pressure heading into Game II?
A debatable question for some, but after the Sydney game - in which Hunt had a Barry Crocker - the Queensland halfback was suddenly in danger of losing his Maroons jersey.
From the foul on Boyd Cordner that led to a penalty try , to some clutch errors late in the game, Hunt endured a difficult night.
Wendell Sailor wanted Walters to wield the axe , Justin Hodges wanted Hunt dropped for Ashley Taylor , while others wanted Daly Cherry-Evans , despite Gorden Tallis arguing the Manly skipper needs to work on his game management to be up to Origin standard.
Later, Hunt's worst fears were confirmed, with Walters announcing Cherry-Evans as the Maroons halfback for Game III , while Hunt was dropped to the bench.
Loyalty policy aside, Walters said DCE's game management skills and big-game experience could help fill the hole that Hunt struggled to fill.
While Cherry-Evans is largely unproven at rep level, some thought Gold Coast playmaker Taylor was fingertips away from a Maroons call-up after another solid performance for the Titans in round 16.
PONGA, INGLIS GONE AS OATES EARNS RECALL
While Hunt was axed for Cherry-Evans, Maroons skipper Greg Inglis and mercurial Knights youngster Kalyn Ponga suffered injuries in their respective round 16 NRL games, ruling them out of the Brisbane game.
On Saturday night, Ponga injured his hamstring in Newcastle's disappointing loss to the Bulldogs , and was later diagnosed with a grade one tear that will consign him to a month-long hiatus .
Less than 24 hours later, Inglis broke his thumb in South Sydney's win over the Cowboys , opening the door for Billy Slater to skipper Queensland in his final game in maroon.
Corey Oates was named on the wing , while Dane Gagai was moved into the centres to accommodate the absence of Inglis.
Meanwhile, rampaging forward Dylan Napa was named as a reserve despite suffering a knee injury in the Roosters' loss to Melbourne, but was later ruled out.
WILL DCE HOLD ONTO THE NO.7 JERSEY IN 2019?
Cherry-Evans' sensational performance in the series finale may have locked down the Maroons' No.7 jumper for the Manly skipper, with coach Walters putting to bed the ‘myths’ about the polarising playmaker .
DCE was one of Queensland’s best in the Game III face-saving 18-12 victory over NSW in what was his first Origin appearance since 2015.
He has been plagued by rumours that several Queensland veterans didn’t want him in the squad, while some Maroons legends have suggested his infamous Titans back-flip disqualifies him from representing his state.
However, if Walters' post-match comments are anything to go by, Cherry-Evans' exile is officially over and he now looms as a key figure for the Maroons for many years to come.
THE BILLY SLATER-WALLY LEWIS MEDAL DRAMA
Game III was a wonderful occasion - the Blues won the series, and the Maroons sent retiring hero Billy Slater into retirement with a win.
However, Slater - despite playing two of three games in the series, after missing the opener through injury - was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series.
In becoming the first player on a series-losing side to win the medal, Slater himself was bemused by the honour , but accepted it with typical grace and humility.
Blues coach Brad Fittler thought flying Blues winger Tom Trbojevic deserved a look-in , but conceded Slater was strong in his two appearances.
However, fans weren't so accepting, blasting the decision from pillar to post .
Some argued that Queensland bias ensured Slater won the medal . Former Blues coach Laurie Daley - who was one of the judges for the medal - explained how Slater got the gong , which was settled by a vote with fellow judges Darren Lockyer and Mal Meninga. However, Daley wasn't a fan of fans questioning his integrity over the decision.
2018 STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES: PLAYER STATISTICS
SERIES
| Points | Valentine Holmes (QLD) | 28 |
| Tries | Valentine Holmes (QLD) | 4 |
| Run metres | Valentine Holmes (QLD) | 612 |
| Linebreaks | Valentine Holmes (QLD) | 4 |
| Tackle breaks | James Tedesco (NSW) | 25 |
| Tackles | Damien Cook (NSW) | 141 |
| Missed tackles | Cameron Munster (QLD) | 16 |
GAME
Queensland
| Points | Valentine Holmes (Game III) | 14 |
| Tries | Valentine Holmes (Game III) | 2 |
| Run metres | Valentine Holmes (Game II) | 224 |
| Linebreaks | Valentine Holmes (Game II) | 2 |
| Tackle breaks | Valentine Holmes (Game II) | 6 |
| Tackles | Andrew McCullough (Game I) | 50 |
| Missed tackles | Will Chambers (Game I) | 10 |
New South Wales
| Points | James Maloney (Game II) | 6 |
| Tries | Tedesco, T. Trbojevic, Mitchell, Addo-Carr (Game I); Addo-Carr, Cordner, Mitchell (Game II); T. Trbojevic, Tedesco (Game III) | 1 |
| Run metres | Tom Trbojevic (Game III) | 253 |
| Linebreaks | James Tedesco (Game I); Latrell Mitchell (Game II) | 2 |
| Tackle breaks | James Tedesco (Game I) | 17 |
| Tackles | Damien Cook (Game I) | 55 |
| Missed tackles | James Maloney (Game III) | 6 |
WHICH TEAM IS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN STATE OF ORIGIN HISTORY?
Is it worth asking that question? Maroons fans will say a resounding yes.
Of the 37 full series played, Queensland have won 21, New South Wales 14, with two series drawn.
Three one-off games were played in 1980, 1981 and 1987.
All up, of 115 games, Queensland have won 62, New South Wales have won 51, with two matches being drawn.
All statistics correct to Game I, 2019.
SIGNIFICANT STATE OF ORIGIN RECORDS
Queensland's dominance from 2006 onwards has tipped the records in their favour, with many set to stand the test of time.
However, never fear Blues fans - there are some crazy numbers that New South Wales can also lay claim to.
PLAYING
MOST GAMES: 42 (Cameron Smith, QLD, 2003-2017)
MOST GAMES AS CAPTAIN: 30 (Wally Lewis, QLD, 1981-1991)
MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES: 36 (Johnathan Thurston, QLD; Game I, 2005 to Game III, 2016)
MOST GAMES WON: 24 (Cameron Smith, QLD, 2003-2017)
MOST SERIES WON: 11 (Cameron Smith, QLD; Johnathan Thurston, QLD)
MOST POINTS: 220 (Johnathan Thurston, QLD, 2005-2017)
MOST TRIES: 18 (Greg Inglis, QLD, 2006-present)
MOST GOALS: 99 (Johnathan Thurston, QLD, 2005-2017)
MOST TRIES IN A GAME: 3 (Chris Anderson, Kerry Boustead, Ryan Girdler, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Sing, Matt King, Dane Gagai, Valentine Holmes)
MOST GOALS IN A GAME: 10 (Ryan Girdler, NSW, Game III, 2000)
MOST POINTS IN A GAME: 32 (Ryan Girdler, NSW, Game III, 2000)
MOST POINTS IN A SERIES: 52 (Ryan Girdler, NSW, 2000)
OLDEST PLAYER: 36 years and 74 days (Petero Civoniceva, Queensland, Game III, 2012)
YOUNGEST PLAYER: 18 years and 83 days (Ben Ikin, Queensland, Game I, 1995)
COACHING
MOST GAMES: 30 (Mal Meninga, QLD, 2006–2015)
MOST GAMES WON: 19 (Mal Meninga, QLD, 2006–2015)
MOST SERIES WON: 9 (Mal Meninga, QLD, 2006–2015)
TEAM
MOST POINTS IN A GAME: 72 (New South Wales 56 def. Queensland 16, Game III, 2000)
MOST POINTS SCORED BY A TEAM IN A GAME: 56 (New South Wales 56 def. Queensland 16, Game III, 2000)
MOST POINTS IN A SERIES: 146 (New South Wales, 2000)
LARGEST WINNING MARGIN: 46 (Queensland 52 def. New South Wales 6, Game III, 2015)
MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES WON: 8 (Queensland, Game II, 1987 to Game III, 1989)
MOST CONSECUTIVE SERIES WON: 8 (Queensland, 2006–2013)
MOST SERIES WHITEWASHES: 4 (Queensland, 1988, 1989, 1995, 2010)
All statistics correct to Game I, 2019.
THE HISTORY OF STATE OF ORIGIN
From the opening interstate game in 1908, New South Wales dominated the ledger up until 1980, particualry from 1956 onwards, when clubs south of the border were financially bolstered by the introduction of gaming machines.
"Every time Queensland produces a good footballer, he finishes up being processed through a New South Wales poker machine." (Paul Hogan, 1977)
Prior to the first 'official' game in 1980, two games were played under the existing residential selection rules, where players could only play for the state their club was based. For the record, New South Wales won both games.
Before 1980, both states had participated in interstate games, dating back to 1908 - before Queensland even had its own club competition.
Who won the first ever State of Origin game?
The first game recognised under the 'state of origin' selection rules was played on July 8, 1980. Queensland won the bruising encounter 20 points to 10 at Lang Park in front of a 33,210-strong crowd.
Once players were eligible to represent their state, the tables turned. A hat-trick of series wins for Queensland (1982-1984, 1987-1989) bookended two wins for New South Wales.
From 1990 to 2005, New South Wales had won 10 series to Queensland's four, with two drawn series.
We all know what happened next.
Between 2006 and 2017, Queensland sides had lost just one series (2014) out of 12, creating one of the great modern-day sporting dynasties Australian sport has ever witnessed.
However, with the Blues' series win in 2018, have we seen a changing of the guard?
