What Is 2015 State of Origin series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 State of Origin series was a best-of-three rugby league competition between Queensland and New South Wales, won 2–1 by Queensland. It took place from May 27 to July 8, 2015, with Game 1 in Brisbane, Game 2 in Sydney, and Game 3 in Sydney.

Key Facts

Queensland won the 2015 series 2–1 after winning Game 1 and Game 3
Game 1 was held on May 27, 2015, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane
New South Wales won Game 2 26–18 on June 24 at ANZ Stadium
Daly Cherry-Evans scored the decisive try in Game 3 on July 8
Queensland extended their record to 10 series wins in 11 years

Overview

The 2015 State of Origin series was the 34th annual best-of-three rugby league competition between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues. It showcased elite interstate rivalry, with Queensland reclaiming the series after a one-year hiatus in 2014. The series featured high-intensity matches, dramatic finishes, and pivotal individual performances.

Queensland won the series 2–1, securing their 10th title in 11 years and reinforcing their dominance in the modern era. The Maroons won Game 1 and Game 3, while New South Wales claimed Game 2 in front of a record crowd. Each match was marked by physicality, strategic coaching, and strong fan engagement across Australia.

Queensland won Game 1 11–10 on May 27 at Suncorp Stadium, with a last-minute field goal by Johnathan Thurston sealing the narrow victory.
New South Wales won Game 2 26–18 on June 24 at ANZ Stadium, marking their first Origin win since 2011 and leveling the series.
Game 3 on July 8 in Sydney saw Queensland triumph 52–6, the largest winning margin in a decider since 1994.
Daly Cherry-Evans scored two tries in Game 3 and was named Man of the Match, revitalizing his Origin career.
Queensland extended their record to 10 series victories between 2006 and 2015, underscoring their sustained dominance.

Match Details and Key Moments

The series unfolded with dramatic shifts in momentum, highlighting the unpredictability and prestige of State of Origin rugby league. Each game featured standout performances, controversial calls, and pivotal turning points that defined the outcome.

Game 1: May 27, 2015 – Played at Suncorp Stadium before 52,540 fans, Queensland edged NSW 11–10 with a 78th-minute field goal by Johnathan Thurston.
Game 2: June 24, 2015 – At ANZ Stadium, NSW won 26–18 with tries from Josh Morris and Trent Hodkinson, ending a four-year Origin losing streak.
Game 3: July 8, 2015 – Queensland dominated with a 52–6 victory, the biggest decider win since 1994, reclaiming the series.
Man of the Series – Cooper Cronk earned the Wally Lewis Medal for best player across the series, excelling in all three matches.
Attendance – Game 2 drew 82,822 fans, setting a new record for a rugby league match in Sydney.
Coaching Impact – Queensland’s coach Mal Meninga made key tactical adjustments after Game 2, restoring confidence and structure for the decisive match.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the three matches in the 2015 State of Origin series:

Game	Date	Location	Winner	Score
Game 1	May 27, 2015	Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane	Queensland	11–10
Game 2	June 24, 2015	ANZ Stadium, Sydney	New South Wales	26–18
Game 3	July 8, 2015	ANZ Stadium, Sydney	Queensland	52–6
Series Result	—	—	Queensland	2–1
Man of the Series	—	—	Cooper Cronk	Wally Lewis Medal

The table illustrates the fluctuating momentum across the series. Queensland’s decisive Game 3 victory erased doubts after their Game 2 loss and highlighted their superior depth and resilience. The Maroons scored 13 tries across the series compared to NSW’s 7, reflecting their attacking dominance. The lopsided final score also signaled a return to form after a rare losing campaign in 2014.

Why It Matters

The 2015 State of Origin series was significant for its impact on team legacies, player careers, and the broader rugby league narrative in Australia. It reaffirmed Queensland’s dominance in the Origin era and showcased the emotional and physical intensity that defines the competition.

Queensland’s 2–1 series win extended their record to 10 titles in 11 years, solidifying their status as the most successful Origin team.
The series drew over 200,000 fans across three matches, highlighting its massive popularity and economic impact.
Cooper Cronk winning the Wally Lewis Medal recognized his leadership and consistent high-level performance.
Daly Cherry-Evans’ resurgence in Game 3 helped revive his representative career after previous criticism.
The series was broadcast to millions nationally and internationally, boosting rugby league’s profile beyond Australia.
NSW’s Game 2 win provided hope for future competitiveness, ending a long drought and rebuilding team confidence.

The 2015 State of Origin series remains a landmark in rugby league history, combining drama, athleticism, and regional pride. It demonstrated the enduring appeal of interstate rivalry and set the stage for future contests filled with equal intensity.