What Is 2007 State of Origin series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2007 State of Origin series was a three-match rugby league competition between Queensland and New South Wales, held from May 23 to July 4, 2007. Queensland won the series 2–1, securing their first series victory since 2001.

Key Facts

Queensland won the 2007 State of Origin series 2–1 against New South Wales
Game I was played on May 23, 2007, at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Queensland won Game I 25–18 to take an early series lead
New South Wales won Game II 30–6 on June 6, 2007, at Olympic Stadium, Sydney
Queensland clinched the series with a 26–10 win in Game III on July 4, 2007

Overview

The 2007 State of Origin series marked a pivotal moment in Australian rugby league history, as Queensland ended an eight-year drought by defeating New South Wales 2–1. The best-of-three format returned to its traditional mid-season schedule, drawing record crowds and national attention.

After years of New South Wales dominance, the 2007 series signaled a shift in momentum, with Queensland’s younger squad outperforming their rivals. The series was notable for its physical intensity, high-scoring matches, and the emergence of future legends like Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston.

Game I on May 23, 2007: Queensland defeated New South Wales 25–18 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, setting the tone for the series with a strong defensive performance and two tries from winger Brent Tate.
Game II on June 6, 2007: New South Wales responded emphatically with a 30–6 victory at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium, leveling the series and silencing critics of their Game I performance.
Game III on July 4, 2007: Queensland won decisively 26–10 at Suncorp Stadium, reclaiming the Origin shield and ending their longest series losing streak in history.
Series MVP: Johnathan Thurston was awarded Man of the Match in Game III for his 14-point contribution, including two conversions and three penalties, solidifying his leadership role.
Attendance: The three matches drew a combined crowd of over 155,000, with Game I attracting 48,525 fans, the largest Origin crowd in Brisbane that year.

Game-by-Game Breakdown

The 2007 series unfolded with dramatic swings in momentum, showcasing tactical adjustments and individual brilliance across all three matches. Each game highlighted different strengths and weaknesses in both squads, making it one of the most analyzed Origin series in recent memory.

Game I – May 23, 2007: Queensland scored three tries to two, with Darren Lockyer and Brent Tate crossing the line; Cameron Smith kicked two goals in a 25–18 win.
Game II – June 6, 2007: New South Wales dominated with four tries, including a hat-trick from winger Akuila Uate, while Queensland struggled with uncharacteristic errors and penalties.
Game III – July 4, 2007: Queensland’s forwards controlled the ruck, enabling Thurston to steer the game; Greg Inglis scored a match-sealing try in the 72nd minute.
Penalty count: Queensland was penalized only 5 times in Game III compared to New South Wales’ 11, a key factor in their superior field position.
Coaching strategies: Queensland coach Michael Hagan emphasized ball retention, while NSW’s Ricky Stuart focused on quick play-the-balls, which backfired under pressure.
Injuries: NSW lost halfback Peter Wallace to injury in Game II, forcing rookie Jarryd Hayne into a more prominent role, which disrupted their game plan.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the three matches in the 2007 State of Origin series, highlighting key statistics and outcomes.

Game	Date	Location	Winner	Score
Game I	May 23, 2007	Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane	Queensland	25–18
Game II	June 6, 2007	Olympic Stadium, Sydney	New South Wales	30–6
Game III	July 4, 2007	Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane	Queensland	26–10
Total Attendance	—	—	—	155,217
Series Result	May–July 2007	Various	Queensland	2–1

This table illustrates the back-and-forth nature of the 2007 series, with home advantage playing a significant role. Queensland’s wins in front of passionate home crowds contrasted with their poor performance in Sydney, where NSW capitalized on errors. The decisive Game III demonstrated Queensland’s improved composure under pressure, a trait that would define their future dominance.

Why It Matters

The 2007 State of Origin series was a turning point not just for Queensland rugby league, but for the sport nationally. It reignited fan interest, showcased emerging talent, and reset the competitive balance between the two states.

End of a drought: Queensland’s 2–1 victory ended an eight-year Origin series losing streak, their longest in history, restoring pride and confidence in Maroons football.
Rise of new stars: Players like Johnathan Thurston, Greg Inglis, and Cameron Smith emerged as leaders, forming the core of a dominant Queensland era through 2013.
Coaching impact: Michael Hagan’s strategic emphasis on ball control and discipline contrasted with NSW’s more reactive approach, influencing future coaching philosophies.
Media attention: The series drew a national TV audience averaging over 3.5 million viewers per game, boosting NRL’s profile during a competitive sports period.
Player development: The 2007 series highlighted the success of Queensland’s grassroots and junior pathways, which produced more Origin-ready talent than NSW’s system.
Historical significance: This series marked the beginning of Queensland’s record eight consecutive series wins from 2006–2013, with 2007 being the true catalyst.

The 2007 State of Origin series remains a landmark moment in rugby league history, symbolizing resilience, tactical evolution, and the power of team culture. Its legacy endures in the sustained success of Queensland and the enduring rivalry that defines Australian rugby league.