What Is 2013 State Of Origin Series

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 State of Origin Series was a best-of-three rugby league competition between Queensland and New South Wales, held from May 29 to July 10, 2013. Queensland won the series 2–1, securing their eighth consecutive title, a record in State of Origin history.

Key Facts

Queensland defeated New South Wales 2–1 in the 2013 State of Origin Series
Queensland won Game I 14–6 on May 29, 2013, at Lang Park in Brisbane
New South Wales won Game II 18–14 on June 26, 2013, at ANZ Stadium in Sydney
Queensland clinched Game III 12–10 on July 10, 2013, at Sydney's Olympic Stadium
This victory marked Queensland's eighth straight series win from 2006 to 2013

Overview

The 2013 State of Origin Series was a pivotal chapter in Australia's premier rugby league rivalry, pitting Queensland against New South Wales in a best-of-three format. This annual competition tests the strength of each state's elite National Rugby League (NRL) players, and the 2013 edition continued Queensland's historic dominance.

Queensland entered the series aiming to extend their record-setting run of consecutive series wins, having claimed every title since 2006. The 2013 series was notable for its narrow margins, intense physicality, and dramatic conclusion, further cementing its status as one of the most-watched sporting events in Australia.

Game I took place on May 29, 2013, at Lang Park in Brisbane, where Queensland defeated New South Wales 14–6 to take an early series lead.
Game II, held on June 26, 2013, at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, saw New South Wales respond with a 18–14 victory to level the series.
Game III was played on July 10, 2013, at Sydney Olympic Stadium, where Queensland won 12–10 in a tightly contested decider.
Queensland's victory marked their eighth consecutive series win, setting a new benchmark in State of Origin history.
The series featured standout performances from players like Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, and Daly Cherry-Evans, who played key roles in Queensland's success.

How It Works

The State of Origin is an annual best-of-three rugby league series between Queensland and New South Wales, based on player eligibility rather than club affiliation. Selection is determined by where a player first played senior rugby league, ensuring state pride remains central to the competition.

Eligibility Rule: Players must represent the state where they played their first senior rugby league game, ensuring authenticity and regional pride in team composition.
Best-of-Three Format: The series consists of three matches played roughly one month apart, with the first team to win two games claiming the series.
Home Advantage: Queensland hosts Game I and Game III in even-numbered years, while New South Wales hosts Game II, creating a 2–1 home game split.
Selection Panel: A state-based panel chooses squads based on form, fitness, and origin eligibility, often sparking public debate over omissions and inclusions.
Intensity Level: Despite being intra-national, the matches are among the most physically demanding in rugby league due to the high stakes and rivalry.
Viewership Impact: Each game regularly draws over 3 million Australian viewers, making it one of the country's most-watched sporting events annually.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the three matches in the 2013 State of Origin Series:

Game	Date	Location	Winner	Score
Game I	May 29, 2013	Lang Park, Brisbane	Queensland	14–6
Game II	June 26, 2013	ANZ Stadium, Sydney	New South Wales	18–14
Game III	July 10, 2013	Sydney Olympic Stadium	Queensland	12–10
Series Result	—	—	Queensland 2–1	Queensland wins 8th straight
Attendance Total	—	—	Over 150,000	Average ~50,000 per game

The 2013 series was notable for its close scoring and defensive intensity, with two of the three games decided by four points or less. Queensland's ability to win a decider on enemy soil underscored their resilience and tactical discipline under pressure.

Why It Matters

The 2013 State of Origin Series had lasting significance for rugby league in Australia, both in terms of legacy and cultural impact. It reinforced Queensland's golden era and raised the standard for future teams aiming to dominate the competition.

Queensland's eighth consecutive title from 2006 to 2013 set an unmatched record in State of Origin history, surpassing previous benchmarks.
The series deepened the rivalry narrative, with New South Wales striving to break the streak and Queensland defending their supremacy.
High television ratings, peaking at over 3.2 million viewers for Game III, demonstrated the event's national appeal and commercial strength.
Players like Daly Cherry-Evans emerged as key figures, with his performance in Game III solidifying his status as a future leader.
The physical and emotional toll of the series highlighted the athletic demands of representative rugby league at the highest level.
Queensland's success fueled debates about player development pathways and the QLD vs. NSW talent divide in the NRL.

The 2013 series remains a landmark moment in rugby league history, symbolizing both the peak of Queensland's dominance and the enduring passion of the State of Origin tradition.