What is the name of rugby league's annual match between Queensland and New South Wales?

The annual rugby league series between Queensland and New South Wales is called the State of Origin series.

The competition began in 1980 and selects players according to the state in which they first played senior rugby league, rather than simply where they currently play club football. This eligibility rule created a highly competitive contest between Australia’s two traditional rugby league states.

Queensland teams are known as the Maroons, while New South Wales teams are known as the Blues. The series is usually played over three matches, although the format and number of matches have changed in some historical periods.

A common misunderstanding is that State of Origin is a club competition. It is representative rugby league: players leave their NRL clubs to represent their eligible state. The series is one of the sport’s most watched annual events.