This year the first State of Origin match will be held on Wednesday 25 May 2011 in Queensland. State of Origin is Australia’s premier rugby league event. It consists of three matches played between New South Wales and Queensland and is usually played in front of capacity crowds with intense rivalry between the two states. The Queensland Maroons have won the last five series from 2006 to 2010 so the NSW selectors have made substantial changes to their team in the hope that new blood will change the outcome.
Dates for 2011 State of Origin Matches
The three match series usually begins in May or early June and finishes in the middle of July with matches 3 weeks apart. The 2011 dates are:
- Origin Game One Wednesday 25 May 2011 8 pm kick off.
- Origin Game Two Wednesday 15 June 2011 8 pm kick-off.
- Origin Game Three Wednesday 6 July 2011 8 pm kick-off.
State of Origin Venues for 2011
In most years one team gets to play two of the three games at their home ground while the other team has only one game at home, on an alternating basis. In some years one game has been held in Melbourne. This year the New South Blues get one home games and the Queensland Maroons get two home games.
- Origin Game One Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
- Origin Game Two ANZ Stadium, Sydney.
- Origin Game Three Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
State of Origin 2011 Game 1 Teams
The New South Wales Blues team for the State of Origin will be captained by Cronulla Sharks captain Paul Gallen. The side includes five players who are first-time Origin selections. The full team is Josh Dugan, Brett Morris, Michael Jennings, Mark Gasnier, Akuila Uate, Jamie Soward, Mitchell Pearce, Jason King, Michael Ennis, Kade Snowden, Beau Scott, Greg Bird, Paul Gallen (capt.). Interchange: Ben Creagh, Trent Merrin, Tim Mannah, Dean Young.
The Queensland Maroons team will be captained by Darren Lockyer who has led the team in 2001, 2004-2007, 2009 and 2010. He has been awarded the Ron McAuliffe Medal for Queensland player of the series in 2001, 2003 and 2006, the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series in 2006 and has three Man of the Match awards. The full team is Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Dane Nielsen, Willie Tonga, Jharaj Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (capt), Johnathan Thurston, Matthew Scott, Cameron Smith, Petero Civoniceva, Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Cooper Cronk, Corey Parker, Jacob Lilyman, Ben Hannant, David Taylor.
Attend Origin Live Games or Watch Live on Television
Last year the Harvey Norman State of Origin series was the first sporting event to be broadcast live in 3D on free-to-air television in Australia. This year the games will be broadcast live on WIN television. Those wishing to watch a live game can purchase tickets through Suncorp Stadium or ANZ Stadium , and there a range of State of Origin packages for sale that include tickets and accommodation. Those making a trip to a State of Origin game might like to find out more about Sydney and Brisbane including accommodation and things to do.
Jo Jackson - Jo is an Australian writer with an MBA and a B.Sc.(Hons) in botany. She has wanted to write since she first discovered books and currently ...
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