What Is 2016 State of Origin series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 State of Origin series was a best-of-three rugby league competition between Queensland and New South Wales, held from May 25 to July 13, 2016. Queensland won the series 2–1, securing their 11th consecutive title, a record streak in the rivalry's history.

Key Facts

Queensland won the 2016 series 2–1, extending their record to 11 straight series victories
Game 1: Queensland defeated New South Wales 6–4 on May 25, 2016, at Suncorp Stadium
Game 2: New South Wales won 26–16 on June 22, 2016, at nib Stadium in Perth
Game 3: Queensland clinched the series with a 22–12 victory on July 13, 2016, at ANZ Stadium
Queensland’s 11-year winning streak (2006–2016) remains the longest in State of Origin history

Overview

The 2016 State of Origin series was the annual best-of-three rugby league competition between Queensland and New South Wales, representing Australia's most intense interstate rivalry. Held across three matches from late May to mid-July, the series drew record television audiences and packed stadiums, highlighting its status as a premier event in the Australian sporting calendar.

Queensland entered as heavy favorites, aiming to extend their historic 10-year winning streak. Despite a strong performance by New South Wales in Game 2, Queensland regained control in the decider to win the series 2–1, marking their 11th consecutive title—a record unmatched in the history of the competition.

May 25, 2016: Queensland narrowly defeated New South Wales 6–4 in Game 1 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, in a low-scoring defensive battle.
June 22, 2016: New South Wales broke Queensland’s dominance with a 26–16 win at nib Stadium in Perth, the first Origin match held in Western Australia since 1997.
July 13, 2016: Queensland secured the series with a 22–12 victory in Game 3 at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, ending New South Wales’ hopes of breaking the streak.
Queensland’s 11 consecutive series wins from 2006 to 2016 remain the longest run by any team in State of Origin history, underscoring their dominance.
The series attracted an average attendance of over 45,000 per game and peaked at over 4.1 million viewers nationally on free-to-air television.

Game-by-Game Breakdown

Each match in the 2016 series featured dramatic shifts in momentum and key individual performances that shaped the outcome. The series format, best-of-three, ensured high stakes from the opening whistle, with every point critical in the tightly contested rivalry.

Game 1 – May 25, 2016: Queensland edged NSW 6–4 in a defensive struggle, with Darius Boyd scoring the only try at Suncorp Stadium in front of 52,587 fans.
Game 2 – June 22, 2016: NSW leveled the series with a 26–16 win in Perth, powered by tries from James Maloney and Josh Morris in front of 50,208 spectators.
Game 3 – July 13, 2016: Queensland won 22–12 at ANZ Stadium, with tries from Dane Gagai and Corey Oates sealing the series in front of 80,388 fans.
Man of the Series: Matt Scott of Queensland was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal for his consistent performance across all three games.
Key Injury: NSW star halfback Trent Hodkinson missed Game 2 due to a shoulder injury, impacting NSW’s playmaking and game management.
Historic Venue: The inclusion of Perth’s nib Stadium marked the first time a State of Origin match was played in Western Australia since 1997, expanding the event’s national reach.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the three matches in the 2016 State of Origin series, highlighting key statistics, venues, and outcomes:

Game	Date	Venue	Attendance	Winner	Score
Game 1	May 25, 2016	Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane	52,587	Queensland	6–4
Game 2	June 22, 2016	nib Stadium, Perth	50,208	New South Wales	26–16
Game 3	July 13, 2016	ANZ Stadium, Sydney	80,388	Queensland	22–12
Series Result	—	—	—	Queensland	2–1
All-Time Series	—	—	—	Queensland	17–10–2 (Queensland leads)

The table illustrates Queensland’s narrow but consistent edge in the series, particularly in the decisive Game 3. The high attendance at ANZ Stadium for the final match underscored the event’s growing popularity and commercial appeal, despite the controversial scheduling of Game 2 in Perth, which some fans criticized for diluting traditional rivalry venues.

Why It Matters

The 2016 State of Origin series was more than just a sporting contest—it was a cultural phenomenon that reinforced Queensland’s rugby league legacy and highlighted the evolving dynamics of player selection, fan engagement, and national broadcasting. The series continues to influence how representative rugby league is structured and marketed in Australia.

Queensland’s 11-year winning streak from 2006 to 2016 remains the longest in the history of the competition, cementing their status as a rugby league dynasty.
The inclusion of Perth as a host city expanded the game’s footprint, demonstrating efforts to grow rugby league beyond its traditional NSW-Queensland heartland.
Television ratings peaked at over 4.1 million viewers for Game 3, making it one of the most-watched non-grand final sporting events in Australia that year.
The Wally Lewis Medal was awarded to Matt Scott, recognizing his leadership and consistent performance across all three matches.
Injuries to key players like Trent Hodkinson and Paul Gallen had significant impacts on team strategies and game outcomes, underscoring the physical toll of the series.
The 2016 series marked the final Origin appearances for several veteran players, including Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston, signaling a generational shift in the sport.

Ultimately, the 2016 State of Origin series was a testament to the enduring appeal of rugby league in Australia. Its blend of fierce rivalry, high-stakes drama, and national pride continues to captivate audiences and shape the future of the sport.