2006 Rugby League State of Origin series

Infobox_State_of_Origin_series
year = 2006


count = 11th
imagesize = 150px
caption =
winners =
margin = 2-1
points = 99
attendance = 180074
top points scorer = (14 points)
top try scorer = (3 tries)

The 2006 State of Origin series was the 27th annual Australian interstate representative series between New South Wales and Queensland. It was decided in three matches which drew a total attendance of 180,074. Queensland won the series 2-1, its first outright series victory since 2001.

__TOC__

Games

Game One

rugbyleaguebox
bg = #eeeeee
date = May 24, 2006
team1 =
score = 17–16
report = [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/international_and_australian/4772131.stm (Report)]
team2 =
points1 = Brett Finch (5 - 1t,1fg)
Brett Hodgson (4 - 1t)
Matt King (4 - 1t)
Willie Mason (4 - 1t)
points2 = (8 - 2t) Greg Inglis
(4 - 1t) Steven Bell
(4 - 2g) Johnathan Thurston
stadium = Telstra Stadium, Sydney
attendance = 72,773
referee= Sean Hampstead
manofmatch= Willie Mason Game I was played at Telstra Stadium, Sydney, and won by New South Wales 17-16, following a late field goal by NSW late-choice halfback, Brett Finch.

Craig Gower was originally picked for the New South Wales side at halfback but pulled out because of injury. Matt Orford was forced to turn down selection as cover for Gower, also because of injury. Both Andrew Johns and Trent Barrett turned down coming out of retirement to play in the fixture [ [http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=25312 "Finch replaces Gower"] ] so eventually Brett Finch was selected to wear the number 7 for New South Wales.

The Queensland selectors picked a total of seven State of Origin debutants for game I.

Game Two

rugbyleaguebox
bg = #eeeeee
date = June 14, 2006
team1 =
score = 30–6
report = [http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=25579 (Report)]
team2 =
points1 = Johnathan Thurston (10 - 5g)
Adam Mogg (8 - 2t)
Shaun Berrigan (4 - 1t)
Justin Hodges (4 - 1t)
Carl Webb (4 - 1t)
points2 = (4 - 1t) Timana Tahu
(2 - 1g) Brett Hodgson
stadium = Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
attendance = 52,468
referee= Steven Clark
manofmatch= Darren Lockyer

In game II, Queensland levelled the series at home at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, with a commanding 30-6 victory.

For Queensland, Origin debutant Adam Mogg replaced the injured Greg Inglis [ [http://www.rleague.com/db/player/m/mogg_adam/index.php "Mogg gets Origin call-up"] ] while Justin Hodges was also ruled out after he re-tore his hamstring [ [http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200606/s1671857.htm "Hodges out in blow to Maroons"] ] and was replaced by Josh Hannay.

Game Three

rugbyleaguebox
bg = #eeeeee
date = July 5, 2006
team1 =
score = 14–16
report = [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/international_and_australian/5116072.stm (Report)]
team2 =
points1 = Eric Grothe, Jr. (8 - 2t)
Matt King (4 - 1t)
Brett Hodgson (2 - 1g)
points2 = (4 - 1t) Darren Lockyer
(4 - 1t)Adam Mogg
(4 - 1t) Brent Tate
(4 - 2g) Clinton Schifcofske
stadium = Telstra Dome, Melbourne
attendance = 54,833
referee= Steven Clark
manofmatch= Brent Tate

Steven Bell was ruled out of the Queensland side for game III after he sustained a fractured cheekbone in game II [ [http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=25585 "Bell out of Origin decider"] ] .

After the heavy loss in game II the New South Wales selectors made five changes, bringing in Matt Cooper, Paul Gallen, Craig Gower, Timana Tahu and Ben Hornby as well as moving Matt King into the centres, Mark Gasnier to five-eighth and Luke Bailey into the starting side.

Game III was held at Telstra Dome, Melbourne, a neutral venue. Trailing 14-4 with ten minutes remaining, Queensland scored two late tries to take the match and series, winning 16-14.

*The Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series was awarded to Darren Lockyer
*The Ron McAuliffe Medal for Queensland player of the series was awarded to Darren Lockyer

Teams

New South Wales

Queensland

ee also

*Rugby League State of Origin
*National Rugby League season 2006

Footnotes