Rugby League is back in full swing, and now that calendars have flipped to May, it means that the State of Origin series is on the horizon, as the best NRL players from New South Wales and Queensland go to battle for their respective states.
A version of an All-Star game for the NRL, State of Origin is one of the most anticipated events of the NRL season, with players taking immense pride in being chosen to represent either the NSW Blues or the QLD Maroons, depending on which state they played their junior football in.
Game 1 of the 2023 State of Origin series will kick off at the end of this month, meaning that team selections are not far off.
How to watch State of Origin in the USA
Fox Sports have the broadcast rights for the entire 2023 NRL season, which includes three regular season games per week, the entire finals series including the grand final, and of course all three games of State of Origin.
When is State of Origin 2023?
| Match | Date | Kick-off | Venue |
| Game 1 | Wed. May 31 | TBC | Adelaide Oval |
| Game 2 | Wed. June 21 | TBC | Suncorp Stadium |
| Game 3 | Wed. July 12 | TBC | Accor Stadium |
What stadiums are hosting State of Origin 2023?
State of Origin organisers have continued the series structure that sees Queensland, New South Wales and a neutral state host one match each.
The three venues for 2023 are as follows:
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
The Origin series opener will take place at Adelaide Oval on May 31.
The Blues and Maroons last played there in 2020, with Queensland emerging as 18-14 victors.
Whilst the oval design of the venue is not always ideal for rugby league, over 50,000 fans are expected to pack in for Game 1.
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
If the Maroons are able to win the series opener, they will feel extremely confident as they return to Queensland for Game 2.
June 21 is the date for the clash, with Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium given the hosting duties.
With a capacity of 52,500, passionate Maroons fans will make it a hostile environment for the Blues, regardless of the previous match result.
Accor Stadium, Sydney
New South Wales will host a potential series decider when Game 3 takes place on July 12.
It will mark the first time since 2019 that Sydney has hosted the third match.
Accor Stadium can hold up to 83,500 fans, with the game likely to be sold out.
NSW or QLD: Which state has won more Origin series?
There have been 41 full series of State of Origin, and Queensland has won 23 of them. New South Wales has won 16 series, with the remaining two being drawn.
Three one-off games were played in 1980, 1981, and 1987, with Queensland winning the first two and New South Wales the latter.
Of the 120 total State of Origin games played, Queensland has won 64 and New South Wales has claimed 54, with two matches being drawn.
A lot of Queensland’s success has come in the last two decades. Notably, the Maroons won eight consecutive series from 2006 to 2013.
Last five State of Origin series
The Maroons have re-claimed bragging rights, securing a memorable series victory in 2022.
In the last five years, the Blues have notched three series wins, with neither state able to claim a ‘whitewash’ victory.
| Year | Winner | Series result |
| 2022 | QLD | 2-1 |
| 2021 | NSW | 2-1 |
| 2020 | QLD | 2-1 |
| 2019 | NSW | 2-1 |
| 2018 | NSW | 2-1 |
State of Origin injury lists
NSW Blues
| PLAYER | INJURY | RETURN |
| Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles) | Groin | Round 10 |
| Max King (Bulldogs) | Ribs | Round 10 |
| Spencer Leniu (Panthers) | Calf | Round 11 |
| Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles) | Calf | Round 14 |
| Daniel Tupou (Roosters) | Hamstring | Round 14 |
| Keaon Koloamatangi (Rabbitohs) | Ankle | Round 14 |
| Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs) | Ankle | Round 15 |
| Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels) | Groin | Round 17 |
| Toby Rudolf (Sharks) | Foot | Round 18 |
| Liam Martin (Panthers) | Hamstring | Indefinite |
| Ryan Papenhuyzen (Storm) | Knee | Indefinite |
QLD Maroons
| PLAYER | INJURY | RETURN |
| Heilum Luki (Cowboys) | Hamstring | Round 10 |
| Jaydn Su’A (Dragons) | Shoulder | Round 10 |
| Corey Oates (Broncos) | Knee | Round 12 |
| Francis Molo (Dragons) | Suspension | Round 13 |
| Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys) | Suspension | Round 14 |
| AJ Brimson (Titans) | Hamstring | Round 16 |
| Beau Fermor (Titans) | Knee | Season |