Nothing captures the hearts and minds of rugby league fans more than State of Origin and Will Evanss A History of State of Origin is the most comprehensive book on the codes showpiece event to date. Following on from the success of Evanss much acclaimed A Short History of Rugby League in Australia, it includes a detailed account of each State of Origin clash from 1980 to 2013, making it the ultimate guide to the fierce rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland. A History of State of Origin contains a blow-by-blow report of each of the 99 games since Origins inception and complete career profiles on all 442 Origin players and coaches, as well as referees, with a focus on their contribution to the Origin story. It contains an extensive records section, crunching the numbers on the annual three-match series that has become one of the most hotly contested prizes in Australian sport. The detailed clubs section, listing which players have represented their states on a club-by-club basis, also offers a unique perspective on the influence the national competition has had on Origin. In addition, the book contains exclusive interviews with six State of Origin legends -- former Queensland greats Wally Lewis, Chris Choppy Close and Petero Civoniceva, and ex-NSW stars Steve Mortimer, Laurie Daley and Nathan Hindmarsh -- who offer their unique insights into their respective experiences in the interstate rugby league cauldron. Rounding out A History of State of Origin is an author-selected Greatest Origin team line-up for both the Blues and the Maroons. Based on the contribution and impact each player has made at Origin level, the teams include rugby league legends Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns, Glenn Lazarus, Darren Lockyer, Dale Shearer, Wally Lewis and Allan Langer. An authoritative and entertaining book, with a foreword by former Maroons legend Ben Ikin, this is the perfect read for anyone passionate about rugby league.
Will Evans was born in Southport Queensland in 1981, he was brought up in Tutukaka and Queenstown in New Zealand, where his obsession with Rugby league began. Currently residing in Brisbane, Will Evans writes for Rugby League Review, The New Daily and Commentary Box Sports"
"""Who would have thought that State of Origin Rugby League, when it was first introduced in 1980, would go on to be the phenomena that it is today? Back in 1980 it was hoped the introduction of the series would be the saviour of the then floundering interstate clashes between NSW and Queensland. Prior to that players were required to represent the state in which they were playing football, and with the rich Sydney clubs luring many of the Queensland stars to the big city the Blues teams were being bolstered by expatriate Maroons and the score lines were blowing out. A one-off game in 1980 allowed players to represent their home state. Billed as mate against mate, no one took that further than the great Arthur Beetson, who at 35, made his long-awaited debut for Queensland, captaining his beloved Maroons in that first Origin clash. History shows the Queenslanders won that first clash 20-10 but it was Beetsons high shot on his then Parramatta team-mate Mick Cronin that was the talking point. It wasnt until 1982 that the full blown three match series was staged for the first time. Now 33 years on and 99 matches later it is one of the biggest sporting events in Australia. Providing a blow by blow account of each of the 99 games, Will Evans book profiles the 442 origin players, coaches and referees that have featured in the series history. Evans has even stuck his neck out and selected a greatest Origin line-up for both states and that alone makes for some interesting reading."" - Robert Crawford"
