What Is 2014 State of Origin series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 State of Origin series was a best-of-three rugby league competition between Queensland and New South Wales, held from May 28 to July 9, 2014. Queensland won the series 2–1, securing their ninth consecutive title, a record in the rivalry's history.

Key Facts

Queensland won the 2014 series 2–1 after victories in Game 1 and Game 3
Game 1 was played on May 28, 2014, at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Queensland extended their record to nine straight series wins
New South Wales won Game 2 6–4 on June 25, ending Queensland’s 20-year undefeated streak at ANZ Stadium
Darius Boyd was named Player of the Series for his standout performances

Overview

The 2014 State of Origin series was the 33rd annual best-of-three rugby league competition between Queensland and New South Wales. Held from May to July 2014, it continued one of Australia’s most intense sporting rivalries, drawing massive television audiences and packed stadiums.

Queensland claimed the series 2–1, winning Game 1 and the decider in Game 3 to secure their ninth consecutive title—a record unmatched in the history of the competition. The series highlighted both tactical discipline and physical endurance, with narrow margins defining each match.

Game 1 took place on May 28, 2014, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, where Queensland defeated New South Wales 12–8 in a tightly contested match.
Game 2, held on June 25 at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, saw New South Wales break a long losing streak at home with a 6–4 victory, keeping the series alive.
Game 3 occurred on July 9, 2014, back at Suncorp Stadium, with Queensland winning 32–8 to clinch the series and extend their dominance.
Queensland’s nine consecutive series wins from 2006 to 2014 remains the longest winning streak in State of Origin history.
Darius Boyd of Queensland was awarded Player of the Series for his consistent performances, particularly in defense and support play.

How It Works

The State of Origin is an annual rugby league series between Queensland and New South Wales, based on players’ origins rather than current residence. The format uses a best-of-three games structure, with each match testing speed, strategy, and resilience under pressure.

Origin Selection: Players are selected based on where they played their first senior rugby league game. This rule ensures team loyalty aligns with regional roots and maintains the rivalry’s authenticity.
Best-of-Three Format: The series consists of three games played over seven weeks, usually in May, June, and July. The first team to win two games wins the series.
Home Advantage: Queensland hosts Game 1 and Game 3, while New South Wales hosts Game 2, a rotation designed to balance crowd support and venue familiarity.
Player Intensity: Despite club rivalries, players unite for state pride. The physicality is often higher than in NRL matches due to the emotional stakes and short recovery time.
Selection Panel: Coaches and selectors choose squads based on form, fitness, and positional needs, often favoring experienced Origin performers under pressure.
Refereeing Standards: High-level referees are appointed by the NRL, with video review used for try decisions and major incidents to ensure fairness in these high-stakes games.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the three games in the 2014 State of Origin series:

Game	Date	Location	Winner	Score
Game 1	May 28, 2014	Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane	Queensland	12–8
Game 2	June 25, 2014	ANZ Stadium, Sydney	New South Wales	6–4
Game 3	July 9, 2014	Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane	Queensland	32–8
Series Result	—	—	Queensland	2–1
Player of the Series	—	—	Darius Boyd	Queensland

The table highlights Queensland’s dominance at home and New South Wales’ narrow win in Sydney. Game 2’s 6–4 scoreline was the lowest in Origin history since 1995, reflecting defensive intensity. Queensland’s strong finish in Game 3 underscored their experience and cohesion under pressure.

Why It Matters

The 2014 series was significant not only for its competitive drama but also for cementing Queensland’s legacy in rugby league history. Their ninth consecutive win set a benchmark for consistency and team culture in professional sports.

Queensland’s nine straight series wins redefined excellence in representative rugby league, surpassing previous records.
The series drew an average television audience of over 3 million in Australia, making it one of the most-watched sporting events annually.
Players like Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston became icons, influencing future generations through leadership and skill.
New South Wales’ Game 2 win ended a 20-year winless streak at ANZ Stadium, offering hope and momentum for future campaigns.
The series boosted tourism and local economies, with over 50,000 interstate visitors attending games in Brisbane and Sydney.
It reinforced the cultural significance of State of Origin in Australian identity, blending sport, regional pride, and national unity.

The 2014 State of Origin series remains a landmark chapter in rugby league history, showcasing elite athleticism, strategic depth, and the enduring power of state rivalry.