State of Origin - QLD vs NSW

Ah, the State of Origin—where New South Wales and Queensland go head-to-head in a rivalry fiercer than a kangaroo on caffeine!

It's the time of year when families are divided, friendships are put on hold, and everyone suddenly becomes an expert on rugby.

It is one of the most intense and fiercely contested rugby league series in Australia! It’s a best-of-three showdown between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons. Players are selected based on their state of origin, meaning where they first played rugby league at a senior level.

In New South Wales, they boast about their beaches, their harbor, and their ability to pronounce words correctly. They look north and wonder how Queenslanders survive without wearing shoes and why they insist on calling a swimming costume a "togs."

Meanwhile, Queenslanders pride themselves on their laid-back lifestyle, sunny weather, and the fact that they can spot a southerner from a mile away by their frantic pace and constant use of sunscreen. They think New South Welshmen are soft because they have winters and wear scarves when it’s below 20 degrees.

Every year, during the State of Origin, these differences are magnified. NSW fans don their blue jerseys and reminisce about the glory days of Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler, while QLD supporters pull on their maroon shirts and swear they were best mates with Wally Lewis.

And the games themselves? It’s not just rugby; it’s a battlefield. Players don’t just tackle; they collide with the force of a thousand kangaroo kicks. Every try scored is a triumph, every missed goal a tragedy.

When Queensland wins, they claim it's because they have more "heart." When NSW wins, they attribute it to their "superior skill." And no matter the outcome, the banter continues. Queenslanders will always remind the Blues of their eight-year winning streak, while NSW fans will never let the Maroons forget those rare, yet sweet, series whitewashes.

At the end of the day, though, it's all in good fun. Both states love their rugby, their banter, and their beer. And once the final whistle blows, they’ll share a drink, laugh about the game, and secretly start plotting for next year’s showdown. Because in the State of Origin, the rivalry never really ends—it just takes a break for a cold one.

In the office, things are heating up as well! Our NSW supporters' desks have been cheekily decorated in QLD colors by their Queenslander colleagues.  

Whether you're cheering for the Blues or the Maroons, the excitement is guaranteed! Who are you backing this year?