What Is 1989 State of Origin series

Overview

The 1989 State of Origin series was the eighth annual best-of-three rugby league competition between Queensland and New South Wales. It marked a pivotal moment in Origin history, with Queensland reclaiming dominance after a series loss in 1988.

Queensland won the series 2–1, capturing Game I and Game III at Lang Park in Brisbane. The series featured intense rivalries, standout individual performances, and high attendance, reflecting the growing popularity of State of Origin rugby league.

• Game I was played on May 24, 1989, at Lang Park, where Queensland defeated New South Wales 26–6 in front of 35,195 fans.
• Queensland dominated early in Game I, scoring four tries to one, with Mal Meninga and Gene Miles leading the backline attack.
• Game II, held on June 6 at the Sydney Football Stadium, saw New South Wales even the series with a 22–16 victory in front of 30,111 spectators.
• Steve Mortimer captained New South Wales in Game II, while Queensland made tactical changes ahead of the decider.
• Game III on July 5 returned to Lang Park, where Queensland won 22–16 to claim the series, completing a home-ground clean sweep of victories in deciders since 1987.

Game-by-Game Breakdown

The 1989 series followed the traditional best-of-three format, with each game delivering dramatic shifts in momentum and strategy.

• Game I – May 24, 1989: Queensland’s 26–6 win was powered by two tries from winger Martin Lang and a commanding performance from halfback Allan Langer.
• Scoring breakdown: Queensland scored four tries and three goals, while New South Wales managed one try and two penalties.
• Game II – June 6, 1989: New South Wales responded with a 22–16 win, highlighted by tries from David Boyle and Andrew Ettingshausen.
• Refereeing controversy: A disputed penalty decision in the second half drew criticism, with Queensland players arguing against perceived bias.
• Game III – July 5, 1989: Queensland won 22–16, with captain Wally Lewis scoring a crucial late try to seal the series.
• Attendance: Game III drew 39,730 fans, the largest crowd of the series, reflecting growing public interest in Origin rugby.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the three matches in the 1989 State of Origin series:

The table highlights Queensland’s strong home advantage, winning both matches at Lang Park by exactly six points. New South Wales’ sole victory came in Sydney, but they were unable to replicate that success in the decider. The narrow margins underscore the competitiveness of the series, typical of State of Origin rugby league’s intensity.

Why It Matters

The 1989 State of Origin series is remembered for its pivotal role in Queensland’s resurgence and the continuation of their home-ground dominance.

• Queensland’s victory marked their fifth series win in eight years, reinforcing their status as a rugby league powerhouse.
• Wally Lewis, despite injury concerns, played all three games and scored a decisive try in Game III, cementing his legendary status.
• Lang Park became known as a fortress, with Queensland undefeated in Origin deciders there from 1987 to 1991.
• The series drew average crowds over 35,000, reflecting the event’s growing commercial and cultural significance.
• Television ratings surged, with national broadcasts reaching millions, helping to elevate rugby league’s profile across Australia.
• The 1989 series also influenced future selection policies, with Queensland favoring experienced players over youth in high-pressure games.

Ultimately, the 1989 State of Origin series exemplified the passion, rivalry, and unpredictability that define Australian rugby league at its peak.