The battle between New South Wales and Queensland continues this year with the Maroons vying for an unprecedented seventh-straight series win. To feel a part of the action make sure you have the official match program with team-lists, player profiles, exclusive Q&As and flashbacks with past Origin greats.
Big League: NRL State of Origin
MESSAGES
WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER FOR TOURISM • Perth proud to host a fierce sporting rivalry
CAMERON MUNSTER
DAMIEN COOK
Man in the middle • Any questions over Ben Hunt’s selection in the No.9 were silenced after Game One, but he and his team-mates still have plenty of improvement left in them.
True Blue • He’s his own harshest critic, but Cameron Murray’s impressive Origin debut was simply the next step in his long journey for New South Wales.
Nothing but the best • Raiders enforcer Josh Papalii doesn’t need any extra motivation to go above and beyond on the footy field – but there is a special person guiding his season.
Stepping up • Replacing one of the best props in the game is a difficult prospect. So it’s a good thing the Blues have another one ready to take on the challenge.
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE • He may be in unfamiliar surroundings, but Michael Morgan is ready to do whatever it takes to help his team-mates, and his state, to Origin glory.
A LONG TIME IN THE MAKING • Every year Dale Finucane’s name is thrown about the Origin conversation, but after a long wait the Storm enforcer is finally getting his chance in the arena.
TOP 8 SHOCK AXINGS • The pressure-cooker nature of Origin football extends to the selection room, where some of the most stunning and controversial calls in representative rugby league history have been made.
Watch and learn • Game One threw plenty of excitement and twists our way, but that’s set up even more drama and compelling storylines for Game Two in this year’s series.
QUEENSLAND PROFILES
STATE OF ORIGIN II
NEW SOUTH WALES
QUEENSLAND
NEW SOUTH WALES PROFILES
WESTERN AUSTRALIA NORTHERN TERRITORY
Inexperienced Maroons lead the way
QUEENSLAND v NEW SOUTH WALES
Eyes on the prize for new-look Blues • MICHAEL ENNIS 2016 PREMIERSHIP-WINNER & FOX SPORTS ANALYST
Reluctant maestro • It took a lot of persuading for Mal Meninga to coach Queensland, but it was a decision that changed the state – and Origin football – forever.
Man of the hour • Injuries and luck brought Brett Finch briefly into the Origin arena – but despite his limited opportunities, he left his own unique mark in Origin folklore.
STATE OF ORIGIN II TRIVIA QUIZ
INTERSTATE MATCHES 1908-81
STATE OF ORIGIN GAME BY GAME