query: when was the first game of state of origin played

pos: State of Origin the increased funds of the New South Wales clubs, due to poker machines, which Queensland laws prohibited. The first recorded call for 'state of origin' selection rules for interstate football was made in 1900. A journalist known as "The Cynic" writing for a rugby football periodical called "The Referee", suggested that Stephen Spragg, who had moved to Queensland, should be able to play for his state of birth, New South Wales. The change did not eventuate, with residential selection rules prevailing both before and after the split into rugby league and rugby union until the concept was later resurrected for

neg: 1981 State of Origin game side has toured here is a bit hard"." For Rogers, the NSW captain, the Origin game (played on July 28) would be his 7th game in 24 days having played in the two tests against France as well as four games for his club team Cronulla-Sutherland since July 4. With rugby league officials from NSW still not convinced of the State of Origin format, the 1980 model was repeated in 1981 when the first two matches were played under the old residential selection criteria. With the confidence gained from the 1980 Origin win, the Queensland residents were more competitive than

neg: Paul Vautin performances over 22 games. He had the honor of captaining the Queensland side in the first game of the 1988 State of Origin series at the new Sydney Football Stadium, and the first game of the 1990 series at Olympic Park in Melbourne - the first Origin game in Australia played outside of Brisbane or Sydney. Both times he captained the team was when Lewis was ruled out with injury. At the time he became only the third Queensland Origin captain at the time alongside Beetson and Lewis. Game 1 of the 1990 series was Vautin's last game of State

neg: 1981 State of Origin game 1981 State of Origin game The 1981 State of Origin game was the second such match between arch rivals Queensland and New South Wales to be played under State of Origin selection rules. Again it was played as the third game of an already-decided 3-game series. New South Wales' victories in the first two games under the "state of residency" selection rules were, however, the last matches of this kind to ever be played as the following year the Origin concept was fully embraced. The match featured a stunning comeback by the Maroons, an all-in-brawl, a 95-metre try by Eric

neg: 1980 State of Origin game 1980 State of Origin game The 1980 State of Origin game was the first game between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues rugby league teams to be played under "state of origin" selection rules. It was the third match of 1980's annual interstate series between the Blues and the Maroons, and was only allowed to go ahead because the first two matches (and the title) were already won by New South Wales. It was played on 8 July 1980 under the newly configured rules by which a player would represent his "state of origin", i.e. the state

neg: E. J. Whitten Legends Game kept State of Origin going for many years, and his emotional farewell at the Victoria vs South Australia game at the MCG in 1995 will long be remembered as a symbol of State of Origin passion. Shortly after his death, the concept was brought into question and the last such game was played in 1999. When he died, his son, Ted Jnr, launched a foundation for research into prostate cancer, and the Legends Game raises money for the foundation. So far, more than $750,000 has been raised for the E. J. Whitten Foundation. The first ever Legends Match was played

neg: Gary Larson (rugby league) 16 games, 1 try). In August 2006, Larson was named at prop-forward in the North Sydney Bears' "Team of the Century". Larson played his first game for Queensland in Game 1 of the 1991 State of Origin series when he was chosen at lock forward for the game at Lang Park in Brisbane. He would go on to claim the record for the most consecutive State of Origin appearances with 24 for Qld, from his first game in Game 1 of the 1991 series until his final match, Game 3 of the 1998 series. This record was equaled by Queensland's

neg: 1991 State of Origin series 1991 State of Origin series The 1991 State of Origin series saw the tenth time the annual three-match State of Origin series between the New South Wales and Queensland representative rugby league teams was played entirely under 'state of origin' selection rules. It was notable as Wally Lewis' farewell from Origin football and featured his half-time stoush with Mark Geyer in Game II which match culminated in Michael O'Connor's sensational match-winning sideline conversion in teeming rain. For the first time since State of Origin became a three-game series in 1982, Queensland named the same starting XIII for each game of

neg: Docklands Stadium not movable). Docklands Stadium first featured rugby league football when it was used as the Melbourne Storm's home ground for one season in 2001. The Storm continued to play home games at the ground sporadically in the following years. Docklands was also the venue for the third and deciding game of the 2006 State of Origin series and Australia's home game against New Zealand in the 2006 Tri-nations series. During the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Australia played England at the stadium and the opening games of the 2009 and 2012 State of Origin series were also played here, the

neg: 1980 State of Origin game were from Brisbane Rugby League Premiership clubs. With Queenslanders playing for New South Welsh clubs now available for selection, seven of the Maroons' starting thirteen were selected from Sydney clubs. 1980 State of Origin game The 1980 State of Origin game was the first game between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues rugby league teams to be played under "state of origin" selection rules. It was the third match of 1980's annual interstate series between the Blues and the Maroons, and was only allowed to go ahead because the first two matches (and the title) were already

neg: 2009 State of Origin series 2009 State of Origin series The 2009 State of Origin series was the 28th time that the annual three-game series between the Queensland and New South Wales representative rugby league football teams was played entirely under 'state of origin' selection rules. Queensland won their first two matches to retain the shield and to record 14 series wins, as well as the first time in Origin history that a state had won the series for four consecutive years. Maroon centre Greg Inglis was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series. For the first time game one of the

neg: Julian O'Neill at Wembley Stadium, only to suffer a 20-14 defeat by Wigan. O'Neill first represented Queensland, coming off the interchange bench, in Game II of the 1993 State of Origin series. He played at five-eighth in Game III. The Broncos reached the 1993 Winfield Cup Grand Final and O'Neill played at fullback as they again beat St. George for a second consecutive premiership title. O'Neill then played at fullback in all three games of the 1994 State of Origin series under coach Wally Lewis. During the 1994 NSWRL season, O'Neill played at lock forward for defending premiers Brisbane when they hosted

neg: Queensland rugby league team made his senior debut in, not the state that he currently played in. Queensland's first truly representative team won the first State of Origin match 20–10 on 8 July 1980. After Queensland lost the first two games in 1981 the third match was again a State of Origin match. Queensland also won this game, and all subsequent series have been played under State of Origin selection criteria. Queensland's overall record in interstate clashes between 1908 and 1981 (non-State of Origin matches) was 54 wins, 8 draws and 159 losses in 221 games. Between 1908 and 1979 Queensland also played matches

neg: Australian regional rivalries became the later South Australian catchcry in State of Origin football. South Australians became bitter when the AFL canned the State of Origin series, which has increased with the reluctance to allow South Australia to once again compete. There are even some South Australians who dispute the Victorian origin of Australian Rules and claim that the game is a South Australian invention, pointing to an earliest recorded football match which was played in South Australia in 1840, nearly two decades before the first rules of the game were written, although historians later argued that this early match was instead the

neg: 1984 State of Origin series 1984 State of Origin series The 1984 State of Origin series was the third time the annual three-game series between the representative rugby league football teams of New South Wales and Queensland was played entirely under "state of origin" selection rules. With Queensland wrapping up the series in the first two matches it produced the first dead rubber finish and an infamous opening minute brawl in game II. The New South Wales attitude to State of Origin had changed somewhat for the 1984 series, with the Blues squad being excused from their club duties the weekend prior to the first

neg: 1984 State of Origin series of the match award. 1984 State of Origin series The 1984 State of Origin series was the third time the annual three-game series between the representative rugby league football teams of New South Wales and Queensland was played entirely under "state of origin" selection rules. With Queensland wrapping up the series in the first two matches it produced the first dead rubber finish and an infamous opening minute brawl in game II. The New South Wales attitude to State of Origin had changed somewhat for the 1984 series, with the Blues squad being excused from their club duties the weekend

neg: 2015 State of Origin series 2015 State of Origin series The 2015 State of Origin series was the 35th time the annual best-of-three series between the Queensland and New South Wales rugby league teams to be played entirely under 'state of origin' rules (1980 and 1981 were only one game series). It was the third series to be administered by the Australian Rugby League Commission which was created in a major restructure of the sport's administration in Australia. This series had one game played in each of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with Game I played at the 83,500 capacity ANZ Stadium, Game II played at

neg: State of Origin not eventuate until decades later however, when New South Wales and Queensland played their first "state of origin" match on 8 July 1980. The Australian rules experience was echoed, with Queenslanders showing enormous interest in the game at Lang Park, Brisbane, although NSW-based players and journalists described it as "the non-event of the century". Queensland defeated New South Wales in that match, and State of Origin has grown into Australia's greatest sporting rivalry. The popularity of State of Origin matches since then has not waned and they remain one of Australia's (and indeed the region's) biggest sporting events. A record

neg: 2011 State of Origin series 2011 State of Origin series The 2011 State of Origin series was the 30th annual best-of-three series of interstate rugby league football matches between the Queensland and New South Wales representative teams contested under "State of Origin" selection rules. For the third successive year a Queensland victory set a new record for consecutive State of Origin titles, reaching six. Game I was played in Brisbane, Game II in Sydney and Game III was again played in Brisbane. Game III was also Australia's most watched sports TV programme for the year 2011. Mal Meninga continued on as coach of Queensland whilst

neg: 1982 State of Origin series was the largest for an interstate game in Sydney since 1973 when 19,049 saw NSW defeat Qld 26-0 (reports at the time said NSWRL officials would have been happy if they got 20,000 to Origin's first game in Sydney after years of sub 5,000 crowds for interstate games at Leichhardt Oval). Officiated by a neutral referee – New Zealander Don Wilson, it was the first State of Origin match to be played in Sydney, and for the players, test positions in the Australian team for the upcoming series against New Zealand hung in the balance. The Blues made wholesale changes

neg: 1982 State of Origin series in game 2 ensured that the third game would also be played under Origin rules. According to some reports, had NSW wrapped up the series in the second game, the third game in Sydney would have reverted to the old State of Residence rules and would most likely have been played at Leichhardt Oval instead of on the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground. The first three-match series came down to a Game III decider to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the first time the Maroons had played at the ground since 1976. The attendance of 20,242

neg: 1999 State of Origin series 1999 State of Origin series The 1999 State of Origin series saw the 18th year that the annual three-game series between the Queensland and New South Wales representative rugby league football teams was contested entirely under 'state of origin' selection rules. The series was drawn and the shield retained by the previous year's victors, Queensland. Each team claimed victory in a game and the deciding fixture finished at 10-all. It was the first series to end in a draw. Game I was a dour affair played in hot and steamy conditions at Suncorp Stadium with Queensland scraping in 9-8. The

neg: Colin Scott (rugby league) Colin Scott (rugby league) Colin Scott (born ) is an Indigenous Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1970s and 1980s. He played the game at but could also play . Scott was also a back-up goal kicker for the teams he played with. Scott had been Queensland's regular since 1979 and retained his place for the 1980 State of Origin game, the first ever game played under State of Origin rules. Scott played at fullback for Wynnum-Manly in the Brisbane Rugby League premiership's grand final victory of 1982. Several years' good service in Queensland's state teams (and injury to

neg: Noel Cleal Oval (the last game played under the old "State of Residence" rules), Cleal represented the NSW Blues in 12 State of Origin games between 1984 and 1988. Some of Cleal's best football was played at the State of Origin level, he was the NSW forward who troubled Queensland most at a time when the Blues were just beginning to match the passion of their interstate rivals. He is commonly known as the man who coined the inspirational phrase "Dare to Dream" which was an extract from the game and series winning pep talk given by him during half time of

neg: 1980 State of Origin game 1980. The Queenslanders had put in a spirited and much improved performance in the second game at Leichhardt Oval, with officials confirming that had they actually won the game then the third game of the series would have been played under the State of Residency rules and Origin as it has become might have died then and there. Queenslanders Kerry Boustead, Rod Reddy, Rod Morris, John Lang and Graham Quinn had actually played for NSW in the first two games of the 1980 Interstate series, with all bar Quinn being selected to represent Queensland in the Origin game. Prior to

neg: Jacob Lillyman the bench in the 53rd minute. Lillyman was recalled to the Queensland State of Origin team for the first match on the 2011 series. In the week leading up to Game II of the 2013 State of Origin series, it was announced that Lillyman would replace injured Sydney Roosters forward Martin Kennedy as the 18th man for Queensland in the next game of the series, marking his return to representative football. Lillyman played for Queensland in games two and three of the 2014 State of Origin series and in all three of the 2015 State of Origin series. A week

neg: Rugby League War of the Roses County Championship which had last been played in 1982–83. The fixture became known as the Rodstock War of the Roses, and the first game was played in September 1985. The series lasted until 1991, when it was scrapped due to lack of interest. The fixture was revived in 2001 under the name of the Origin Series, inspired by the success of Australia's State of Origin series between New South Wales and Queensland. Player eligibility for the Origin Series was based on the player's region of birth, but players born outside of Yorkshire and Lancashire were also eligible for selection, based

neg: Mick Cronin (rugby league) under the old place of residence rules. He played in the inaugural State of Origin match in 1980 and made five further appearances for the Blues under the origin criteria up till the game III in 1983, despite having retired from international representative availability in 1982. Mick Cronin's name was etched into Origin folklore that first night in July 1980 when fifteen minutes from the end of the game his Parramatta club teammate Arthur Beetson pirouetted in from the right side while Cronin was held up in a tackle by Queensland half Greg Oliphant and threw a loose left-arm around

neg: Sydney Cricket Ground while the Roosters call the Cricket Ground home. The Cricket Ground hosted six State of Origin series games from 1982–1987 In 1885 the first inter-colonial tennis match was held at the SCG when Victoria played New South Wales although forms of the game were no doubt played in Australia from its colonial beginnings. All colonies of Australia were well established when the final versions of the rules of the game were codified by the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1875 and by the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in 1877 when it held its first tournament at Wimbledon. Tennis

neg: State of Origin results and statistics was awarded with the "Ron McAuliffe" Medal. The following players have been awarded the Brad Fittler Medal for New South Wales player of the series. The following referees have controlled State of Origin series matches. State of Origin results and statistics State of Origin results and statistics have been accumulating since the 1980 State of Origin game. Every game played under State of Origin selection rules, including the additional 1987 exhibition match and the matches played between New South Wales and Queensland for the Super League Tri-series are detailed below unless stated otherwise. Queensland have won 21 series. NSW have

neg: Kerry Boustead State of Origin match in 1980. He scored Queensland's first ever try in State of Origin and is one of a handful of players to have scored 3 tries in an Origin game. Ironically, Boustead was initially against the State of Origin concept, believing that players should represent the state where they currently lived and played. Boustead played in the centres in Easts' loss to Canterbury in the 1980 Grand Final. He toured with Frank Stanton's 1982 'Invincibles', playing all six tests on tour against Papua New Guinea, Great Britain and France. Boustead stayed with the Roosters till the end

neg: 2012 State of Origin series Wales' series-equalling win in Game II, played at Sydney's sold out ANZ Stadium, set a new TV ratings record for most-watched second game of any series in State of Origin history. The decider, Game III was played at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium and was won by Queensland. This game set a new record for the highest television audience in Australia for a rugby league match since the introduction of the OzTam ratings system in 2001. In 2012, the first year of the independent Australian Rugby League Commission, a new rule was put into place that would set out earlier in a

neg: Sam Thaiday In what was the first test match ever played in Canberra, New Zealand were defeated. Thaiday played at second row forward in all three games, and scored a try in the 2nd game, of the 2013 State of Origin series in which Queensland extended their record for consecutive series victories to eight. In 2015, Thaiday played in Brisbane's grand final defeat against North Queensland. In 2016, Thaiday was selected to play for Queensland in the 2016 state of origin series. After Queensland emerged victorious in game 1 of the series, Thaiday was interviewed post match by Brad Fittler. Fittler had

neg: Billy Brownless with Geelong. Brownless retired in 1997 at 30 years of age. Brownless has the record for most goals in a game at the Gabba, with 11. Brownless first played State of Origin in 1988 for New South Wales. Playing in the State of Origin Carnival that year, he kicked three goals in the tournament, two in the first against South Australia and one in the second against Western Australia. In 1993 he again played in the State of Origin Carnival, being selected for NSW/ACT against Victoria. With Wayne Carey and John Longmire in the side, Brownless played at centre half

neg: 2015 State of Origin series ever attendance for a State of Origin Game, with a crowd of 91,513 people in attendance. Game III saw numerous records broken: 2015 State of Origin series The 2015 State of Origin series was the 35th time the annual best-of-three series between the Queensland and New South Wales rugby league teams to be played entirely under 'state of origin' rules (1980 and 1981 were only one game series). It was the third series to be administered by the Australian Rugby League Commission which was created in a major restructure of the sport's administration in Australia. This series had one game

neg: 1988 State of Origin series 1988 State of Origin series The 1988 State of Origin series was the seventh annual three-game series between the New South Wales and Queensland representative rugby league football teams to be contested entirely under 'state of origin' selection rules. Queensland enjoyed their first ever 3–0 series whitewash, mirroring a feat New South Wales had first achieved two years earlier. The series produced an ugly and enduring Origin image when in Game II the parochial Queensland crowd showered the Lang Park playing arena with beer cans in protest at the sin-binning of their captain Wally Lewis. New South Wales had a

neg: 1988 State of Origin series Daley, the only NSW player in an almost all Queensland forward pack, and reserve forward Steve Folkes. 1988 State of Origin series The 1988 State of Origin series was the seventh annual three-game series between the New South Wales and Queensland representative rugby league football teams to be contested entirely under 'state of origin' selection rules. Queensland enjoyed their first ever 3–0 series whitewash, mirroring a feat New South Wales had first achieved two years earlier. The series produced an ugly and enduring Origin image when in Game II the parochial Queensland crowd showered the Lang Park playing arena with

neg: Benny Elias in the second half of the overtime loss to the Canberra Raiders, a game in which Steve Walters began to assert his dominance as one of leading hookers in the game at that time. Elias made 19 appearances for the New South Wales State of Origin team between 1985 and 1994 and was named man-of-the-match on 3 occasions ( Game I 1990, Game I 1992 and Game III 1994). Elias played State of Origin with incredible passion and is remembered for his fiery clashes with Queensland hookers Kerrod and Steve Walters. He was honoured later in his career when he

neg: Wally Lewis 15th minute of the game while tackling Kiwi winger Tony Iro. After receiving treatment, he bravely played on for a further 20 minutes, making a number of one armed tackles despite being an obvious target in defense. Late in the first half when it became clear that with a 21-0 lead Australia would win the game, coach Don Furner replaced Lewis with Terry Lamb. Lewis won another man-of-the-match award in the second game of the 1989 State of Origin series. Lewis scored a famous try in the second half of the game played at the SFS, when he went on

neg: 1983 State of Origin series 1983 State of Origin series The 1983 State of Origin series was the second time the annual three-game series between the New South Wales and Queensland rugby league teams was played entirely under "state of origin" selection rules. After the Australian team had swept all before them in 1982, including sweeping New Zealand in the mid-season tests, before embarking on the highly successful 1982 Kangaroo tour where they became the first touring side to go through undefeated, winning all three Ashes tests against Great Britain and the two tests against France, the 1983 State of Origin series was billed as

neg: 2011 State of Origin series replaced by Anthony Minichiello. 2 - Dean Young switched places with Michael Ennis to play in the starting side after being initially selected for the bench. 2011 State of Origin series The 2011 State of Origin series was the 30th annual best-of-three series of interstate rugby league football matches between the Queensland and New South Wales representative teams contested under "State of Origin" selection rules. For the third successive year a Queensland victory set a new record for consecutive State of Origin titles, reaching six. Game I was played in Brisbane, Game II in Sydney and Game III was again

neg: State of Origin series (played by John Doyle and Greig Pickhaver), who commentated the game with a unique comedic style. Roy and HG's broadcasts began in the late 1980s, and continued until 2008. Roy and HG moved from Triple J to radio network Triple M in 2009, at which point the duo ceased their State of Origin commentary. Under State of Origin rules players were previously selected for the state in which they first played senior (or registered) rugby league. In 2012, the NSWRL, CRL, QRL and ARLC agreed on new criteria in determining Origin eligibility, to encompass other factors, such as place of

neg: Phil Daley in seven minor tour matches, but did not appear in any of the tours six tests. Other Manly players selected for the 1986 tour were Noel Cleal, Des Hasler and Dale Shearer. He played in three State of Origin matches for New South Wales including the 1987 "Exhibition Game" in Los Angeles in which he fractured his jaw. In Origin Game 2 of the 1988 State of Origin series, Daley sparked an uproar at Brisbane's Lang Park when he was sin-binned for a dangerous high-tackle on Queensland Greg Conescu. Maroons captain Wally Lewis ran about 10 metres to stop Daley's

neg: State of Origin results and statistics State of Origin results and statistics State of Origin results and statistics have been accumulating since the 1980 State of Origin game. Every game played under State of Origin selection rules, including the additional 1987 exhibition match and the matches played between New South Wales and Queensland for the Super League Tri-series are detailed below unless stated otherwise. Queensland have won 21 series. NSW have won 14 (as at the completion of the 2018 series). The matches in 1980 and 1981 were one off experimental matches after New South Wales had already won the interstate series in both years. Both

neg: 2012 State of Origin series 2012 State of Origin series The 2012 State of Origin series was the 31st time the annual best-of-three series between the Queensland and New South Wales rugby league teams was played entirely under 'state of origin' rules. For the fourth successive year a Queensland victory set a new record for consecutive State of Origin titles, reaching seven. Game I was played at Melbourne's sold out Etihad Stadium and won by Queensland; its television broadcast watched by more than 2.5 million viewers, rating it as the most-watched State of Origin broadcast since the introduction of OzTAM ratings in 1999. New South

neg: Dane Gagai contract after strong interest from his former club Brisbane Broncos. On 8 July, he made his State of Origin debut on the wing for Queensland against New South Wales in Game 3 of the 2015 State of Origin series. He scored a try on debut, which was the first try of the game, in Queensland's 52-6 win. He finished the 2015 season having played in all of the Knights 24 matches, scoring 7 tries and kicking 2 goals as the club finished last. On 26 September, he played for the Prime Minister's XIII against Papua New Guinea, playing at centre

neg: Adelaide Oval for the first time since 2011. The Roosters won the game, played on 24 June in Round 16 of the season, 25–24 in golden point extra time in front of a crowd of 21,492 fans. It was announced in February 2018 that the Oval would host one State of Origin match in 2020. Adelaide Oval hosted two games of the 2003 Rugby World Cup. On 25 October, The Wallabies played their first international game in Adelaide when they defeated Namibia 142–0 in front of 28,196 fans. The next day Ireland defeated Argentina 16–15 in front of 30,203 fans. On 3

neg: West End Slowdown due to the Oval being used for cricket by its major tenant, the Southern Redbacks. The game remained at AAMI for 2008 before moving back to the Adelaide Oval in 2009. The 2009 game was also the first Slowdown to be played under lights. In 2011 the State of Origin Slowdown was played in the afternoon timeslot (1:40pm start). In total, out of 11 games, the "Adelaide Crows" have won 6 and "Port Adelaide Power" have won 5, including 4 of the last 5 games while South Australia leads Victoria 2-0 in State of Origin Slowdown's. West End Slowdown The

neg: 2012 State of Origin series Origin concept to the Holden Cup. New South Wales win the inaugural Darren Lockyer Shield. 2012 State of Origin series The 2012 State of Origin series was the 31st time the annual best-of-three series between the Queensland and New South Wales rugby league teams was played entirely under 'state of origin' rules. For the fourth successive year a Queensland victory set a new record for consecutive State of Origin titles, reaching seven. Game I was played at Melbourne's sold out Etihad Stadium and won by Queensland; its television broadcast watched by more than 2.5 million viewers, rating it as the

neg: Wally Lewis of Origin match in 1980 at lock forward alongside his hero Arthur Beetson who at the age of 35 was playing in his first ever game for his home state. There were some in the press who questioned his selection, claiming he should have started from the bench with well performed Brisbane Wests lock Norm Carr in the starting side. Lewis however had a hand in Queensland's first ever State of Origin try scored by Kerry Boustead. The following year a second State of Origin match was played, and captain-coach Arthur Beetson was a late withdrawal due to injury. In

neg: Liam Foran out with a hamstring injury and made a solid contribution in helping Manly end a three-game losing streak with a 30-0 win over Penrith at Brookvale Oval. This was his first first grade game since 2008, when he played on three occasions for the Melbourne Storm during the State of Origin Series. During that gap, he played for the Toyota Cup or NSW Cup squads for all the clubs he signed, the Melbourne Storm's Under 20's side nicknamed "The Thunderbolts", the New Zealand Warriors' reserve-grade side the Auckland Vulcans, the Sydney Roosters' reserve-grade side the Newtown Jets and the Manly

neg: Greg Florimo Bears in 1986 and retired in 1998. In first grade he scored 73 tries, 3 goals and 1 field goal. He famously called the North Sydney fans onto Bear Park in 1997 after the game when Norths defeated traditional rivals Manly by 41 points. Florimo's final game for Norths was in the 23-2 minor semi-final defeat at the hands of Canterbury. In total Florimo played 285 games for Norths which is more appearances than any other player at the club. For NSW he played four State of Origin games between 1988 and 1995. He played four Tests for Australia between

neg: Wally Lewis club. Lewis was named man-of-the match in the first two games of the 1984 State of Origin series, making it three consecutive Origin man-of-the-match awards. That year, he also won the Brisbane Rugby League premiership's grand final against Souths. The following year, Lewis was awarded the inaugural Golden Boot Award as the world's best international player in 1984. Lewis was man-of-the-match for Game II of the 1985 State of Origin series, becoming the second player, after Mal Meninga in Game 1 1982, from the losing team to win the award. He then played in Wynnum-Manly's 1985 BRL grand final loss

neg: 1980 State of Origin game in Brisbane and won by NSW 35-3. In the second game at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney (described by Qld Wally Lewis as being played on a Tuesday night in front of two men and their dog, with the dog going home at half-time. The official paid attendance was just 1,368 compared to the 25,000 crowd for Game 1 in Brisbane), the Maroons put up more of a fight against a NSW side that was missing a number of players through injury, but were defeated again, this time 17-7. The first State of Origin game very nearly didn't go ahead in

neg: Brett White withdraw following the NRL grand final, when he was scheduled for foot surgery. White was also named in the 46-man Australian preliminary squad for the World Cup. White played in the opening two State of Origin matches for New South Wales in 2010, scoring a try in the second match, but was dropped for the third game. Game 3 of the 2009 series also saw White return to State of Origin (replacing the injured Michael Weyman), playing a leading role in a controversial NSW victory. In the closing stages of the contest White was involved in a scuffle with Queensland

neg: State of Origin series South Wales 20–10. In 1981 the first two interstate matches were again played under the old selection rules. As New South Wales won the first two matches in the series, state of origin selection rules were used once more in the third match. Although New South Wales ran out to an early 15–0 lead in the game, Queensland rallied to win 22–15. The interest generated by the experimental state of origin matches of 1980 and 1981 and the potential for financial rewards were enough to convince the authorities to play all three games under state of origin rules the following

neg: 1990 State of Origin series 1990 State of Origin series The 1990 State of Origin series saw the ninth time that the annual three-game series between New South Wales and Queensland representative rugby league football teams was contested entirely under "state of origin" selection rules. It was the first year that the Australian Rugby League took an Origin match to Melbourne to showcase the code in Victoria. New South Wales broke an eight-game losing streak in game I and took the series for the first time since 1986. Game I at the Sydney Football Stadium was a typical Origin arm-wrestle and resulted in the lowest

neg: Peter Sterling nickname "The Invincibles", and was a personal success for Sterling who played in all five tests against Great Britain and France, and cemented his place as the worlds best halfback. In 1983, Sterling played in Australia's win in the first test against New Zealand at Carlaw Park in Auckland, but wasn't selected for Australia's shock 12–19 second Test loss at Lang Park when Murray was preferred. He was named man-of-the-match in Game 2 of the State of Origin series at the SCG, a game which saw the NSW side with an almost all-Parramatta backline, with Neil Hunt and Eric Grothe

neg: Brett Finch he was pelted by a Canterbury Bulldogs fan. Finch played for the Roosters at scrum half back in their 2004 NRL grand final loss to cross-Sydney rivals, the Bulldogs. Finch played three State of Origin games for New South Wales after crossing from Canberra. His most famous moment was when he was called into the New South Wales squad on the eve of Game 1 of the 2006 State of Origin series. He then turned out to be a hero by scoring a try, setting up two and by kicking the winning field goal to push New South Wales to

neg: Shaun Berrigan series. He played the entire 2003 State of Origin series at halfback for Queensland, who lost. He played in the centres for the 2004 State of Origin series. Berrigan was selected in the Australian team to go and compete in the end of season 2004 Rugby League Tri-Nations tournament. In the final against Great Britain he played at centre in the Kangaroos' 44-4 victory. Berrigan was then the top try-scorer for the 2005 Brisbane Broncos season scoring 19 tries. Berrigan played his 150th first grade game for the club in 2006. He started the year in the centre position but

neg: Melbourne Cricket Ground Tri Nations Series on 30 June, the hosts again winning, this time by 20 points to 15 in front of a crowd of 79,322. Rugby league was first played at the ground on 15 August 1914, with the New South Wales team losing to England 15–21. The first ever State of Origin match at the MCG (and second in Melbourne) was Game II of the 1994 series, and the attendance of 87,161 set a new record rugby league crowd in Australia. The MCG was also the venue for Game II of the 1995 State of Origin series and drew 52,994,

neg: Leichhardt Oval from 1978 due to dwindling crowds in an era when NSW dominated the contests. Also, unlike the SCG at the time, Leichhardt had lights allowing for night games). On 16 June 1981, Leichhardt Oval hosted the last ever interstate game between NSW and Qld played under the old 'State of Residence' rules before the permanent move to the now familiar State of Origin series. The game, which attracted only 6,268 fans, saw the Steve Rogers captain NSW, with Qld Origin players John Ribot, Paul McCabe and Rod Morris in the side, win a surprisingly competitive game 22-9. Playing that night

neg: Royce Simmons was eventually given a contract in 1980 with Penrith. Simmons played much of his first year at lock but was moved to hooker late in the 1981 season. Simmons was first selected to represent New South Wales as a hooker for games II and III of the 1984 State of Origin series, replacing Rex Wright who had been chosen for game I. After missing the 1985 series when selectors chose Balmain's Benny Elias instead, Simmons regained his place for the Blues in the successful 1986 series against Queensland, including a Man of the Match in game I. Simmons secured a

neg: Braith Anasta return to representative football of Anasta's future coach, Brad Fittler. While Trent Barrett was originally selected as New South Wales' five-eighth for the 2005 State of Origin series, his injury opened the door for Anasta to play in Game II. Down 1–0 in the series, Anasta helped the Blues come back to win the series 2–1, scoring a try in the decisive Game III at Suncorp Stadium. Anasta played the first two matches of the 2006 State of Origin series, however was dropped for the final match after the Blues had an embarrassing 30–6 loss in Game II. Despite this,

neg: Antonio Kaufusi 2003. In 2006 Kaufusi was called up to the Australian tri-nations squad after Reni Maitua received an ankle injury in the first test against New Zealand. He played at prop forward in his first Grand Final in 2006, when the Storm were defeated by the Brisbane Broncos, 15–8. He played State of Origin for Queensland, making his début in game one 2007. A serious knee injury prevented Kaufusi from participating in the Storm's victorious 2007 premiership winning team. He played in the 2008 NRL Grand Final defeat by Manly. He was named in the Tonga squad for the 2008 Rugby

neg: Robbie McCormack Robbie McCormack Robbie McCormack is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 1990s. A New South Wales State of Origin representative hooker, he played for Australian clubs the Newcastle Knights and Hunter Mariners, and for English club, Wigan Warriors (with whom he won 1998's Super League III).Kane said his nickname was the MOTH. After starting his career with the Newcastle Knights, McCormack was selected to represent New South Wales in game I of the 1992 State of Origin series and game II of the 1993 series when he replaced Benny Elias as hooker. Eventually becoming captain

neg: South Australia Australian rules football team for South Australians". Brett Chalmers was quoted saying before South Australia played Victoria in 1992, "I'd love to beat the Victorians, every South Australian doesn't like the Victorians, it'll be great to beat them". Paul Roos has described the first state game he played in South Australia saying "when walking up the entrance and onto Football Park was an experience in itself. I quickly realised how much hatred existed towards Victorians and their football. He has also stated about State of Origin games versus South Australia, saying "from an early age I was glued to the television hoping Victoria would

neg: Karmichael Hunt was Hunt's representative and international debut, and though he performed well, he only played for 50 minutes, making one error and 83 metres in kick returns. However, he was unable to complete the game due to concussion sustained by a blow from Frank Pritchard. He was taken unconscious from the field and played no further part in the match. After his Test debut, Hunt was expected to be the Queensland fullback in the first match of the three game State of Origin series. However, Queensland selectors decided to stay with incumbent Origin fullback Matt Bowen. The selectors reconsidered after Queensland

neg: David Taylor (rugby league) Taylor was originally selected to play in the 2010 All Stars match but withdrew due to injury. In his first year with Souths, Taylor was selected to play for Queensland and made his debut for the Maroons from the bench in Game I of the 2010 State of Origin series. He played in all 3 games in 2010. Taylor played game 2 and was suspended in time for the third game 2011 and as a result, was unable to play. Taylor made his test debut for Australia in 2012 ANZAC test. He also played for Queensland in the 2012 State

neg: Josh Hannay League, as he was not 16 years of age at the beginning of the year. In 1998 he made his first grade début for the Cowboys. From 1998 to 2006 he was a regular first grade centre for the Cowboys and became the club's highest point-scorer. Hannay first played State of Origin football for Queensland in the 2003 State of Origin series. He kicked 2 goals from 3 attempts in the Cowboys' loss to the Wests Tigers in the 2005 NRL Grand Final. He was also named in the centres for the Maroons in game 3 of the 2006 State

neg: Bryan Niebling Bryan Niebling Bryan Niebling (born 18 July 1960) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of 1980s and 1990s who played in the forwards. After a successful Brisbane Rugby League premiership, and representative career for both his state and country, Niebling played in the New South Wales Rugby League premiership for the Brisbane Broncos from their first ever game. Nicknamed 'Horse', Niebling was a constant thorn in the side of New South Wales forwards during the titanic State of Origin clashes of the early 1980s. His career in the State of Origin arena saw him make 9 appearances while

neg: Melbourne Cricket Ground the most of any game that series. The second game of the 1997 State of Origin series, which, due to the Super League war only featured Australian Rugby League-signed players, was played there too, but only attracted 25,105, the lowest in a series that failed to attract over 35,000 to any game. The Melbourne Storm played two marquee games at the MCG in 2000. This was the first time that they had played outside of their normal home ground of Olympic Park Stadium which held 18,500 people. Their first game was held on 3 March 2000 against the St. George

neg: 1980 State of Origin game up with Poker machine money. As poker machines were illegal in Queensland, most of the clubs could not hope to match the money on offer to their star players, with a steady stream of players leaving to play for Sydney clubs. The list of players who had headed south in the 1960s and 1970s had included Arthur Beetson, John Lang, Rod Reddy, Rod Morris, Mitch Brennan and Kerry Boustead. After a match involving intense all-in brawling, the Maroons won the first state of origin game 20-10. The first match of the annual best-of-three interstate series was played at Lang Park

neg: 2009 State of Origin series before Referee Shayne Hayne broke up their melee and ended the match. The 18th man is a reserve to cover for any forthcoming injuries and, unless chosen, does not actually play. – Glenn Stewart was originally selected for game one, but subsequently forced to withdraw following suspension for a dangerous tackle. He was replaced by Luke Lewis. 2009 State of Origin series The 2009 State of Origin series was the 28th time that the annual three-game series between the Queensland and New South Wales representative rugby league football teams was played entirely under 'state of origin' selection rules. Queensland won

neg: David Shillington test played in Newcastle playing off the Bench, before heading to Great Britain for the 2011 Four Nations tournament in England and Wales. For the first two games (VS New Zealand & England), Shillington played off the bench wearing the number 16,but in the game VS Wales, he will start at prop (number 8). When Australia played New Zealand in England, Isaac Luke (New Zealand hooker) came in late on Shillington's legs which looked like it would end his Four Nations tournament. He was in doubt played against England at Wembley but did play. For the 2013 State of Origin

neg: Dane Nielsen in the Queensland side for Game I and II of the 2011 State of Origin series. In May 2012, he signed a three-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors starting in 2013. Later that year he played in the third and deciding game of the 2012 State of Origin series which Queensland won. At the end of the season Nielsen played for the Melbourne Storm in their 2012 NRL Grand final victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Nielsen moved to Auckland for the 2013 New Zealand Warriors season, also the first for the club's new Australian coach Matthew Elliott. On 19

neg: 2011 State of Origin series skipper Darren Lockyer's final series, winning in his 36th and final State of Origin game. Queensland hooker Cameron Smith was awarded the Wally Lewis Medal as Player of the Series. Like his predecessor as New South Wales coach Craig Bellamy, Ricky Stuart was brought in to coach against Meninga, who was captaining Canberra in the 1990 NSWRL season's Grand final victory when Stuart and Bellamy both played under him. Stuart was reported to have been given by selectors the team of his choosing and in doing so, picked five Origin debutantes in Akuila Uate, Josh Dugan, Jamie Soward, Trent Merrin

neg: Ted Whitten but his showmanship and larrikin streak. He played in Footscray's first VFL/AFL premiership in 1954, and ended his senior career in 1970 having played 321 games, a VFL/AFL record that remained unbroken for four years. Apart from club-level football, Whitten was a significant exponent and promoter of State of Origin, representing his state in 29 matches. After retiring as a player, Whitten turned to coaching, and continued to contribute to the game as a popular commentator and media personality. Western Oval, the Footscray Football Club's home ground, was renamed Whitten Oval in his honour. His enthusiasm for State of Origin

neg: Paul Gallen captained New South Wales for the 2012 State of Origin series, which was again won by Queensland. At the 2012 Dally M Awards, Gallen was named the NRL's lock forward of the year. Gallen was selected for Australia in the 2013 ANZAC Test and played at lock forward. In what was the first test match ever played in Canberra, New Zealand were defeated. Gallen was named captain of the New South Wales Blues for the 2013 State of Origin series. Gallen led his team to victory in game one at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, however the win was not without

neg: State of Origin performance in the State of Origin series. New South Wales play in sky blue jerseys and are known as "the Blues", a term dating from 1974 when a journalist used the name in an article. The Blues won that series, leading coach Jack Gibson to comment "I thought they went pretty well for a bunch of cockroaches". The Queensland team plays in a maroon jersey, and are called "the Maroons". Both teams also have unbecoming nicknames — New South Wales: "the Cockroaches"; Queensland: "the Cane Toads". The first 'state of origin' game was an Australian Football game between Western Australia

neg: Alan McIndoe first grade football for Illawarra in 1983. He made his debut for Queensland in the 1988 State of Origin series, scoring a try in game 1 and playing in all three matches. That year he also represented Australia against a 'Rest of the World' team. The following season McIndoe moved to Penrith and also played in all three matches of the 1989 State of Origin series, scoring in games 1 and 2. In the 1990 season he was, for the third consecutive year, selected for Queensland in all three games of the State of Origin before playing for the Panthers

neg: 2007 State of Origin series minutes were almost all played in Queensland's half of the field, with the Maroons defending successfully until just before the eight-minute mark when Blues debutant fullback Brett Stewart scored the first points of the match with a close-range try from dummy half. Jamie Lyon's conversion brought the score to 6 - 0 in favour of New South Wales. Queensland then evened up the battle for field position, the game being played almost entirely in the Blues' half from then until the twenty-first minute when the Maroons scored. Their hooker Cameron Smith ran from dummy half on the fifth and last,

neg: Israel Folau the opening State of Origin match. He also played in Game 2, scoring a try, but missed Game 3 due to injury. Controversially despite signing mid-year with rival code the AFL, Folau was selected and played in all three Origin games in 2010. He continued to produce try-scoring form scoring 17 tries from 16 matches with the Brisbane Broncos but his rugby league career to date was cut shorter than anticipated as the Brisbane Broncos failed to make the finals series for the first time in over a decade. Folau was also overlooked to represent Australia in the Four Nations

neg: Queensland rugby league team might still be dominated by New South Wales with the Blues ahead 15–0, but a remarkable comeback by Queensland saw them defeat New South Wales 22–15 with young captain Wally Lewis and Chris Close the stars of the comeback win. This match gave rugby league officials the impetus to decide that 1982 should have 2 State of Origin matches and a decider if required. In 1982, for the first time all three matches of the interstate series were played using 'origin' selection rules. New South Wales won their first State of Origin match in Game One, but this was not

neg: Michael Weyman in the City vs Country Origin match on 8 May 2009. Later that month Weyman was named in the 17-man squad to represent New South Wales in the opening game of the 2009 State of Origin series. Weyman made his Origin debut on 3 June 2009, in Melbourne at Etihad Stadium. Weyman missed the final game of the Origin series with an ankle injury. For the 2010 ANZAC Test, Weyman was selected to play for Australia from the interchange bench in their victory against New Zealand. Weyman played 2 games for New South Wales in the 2010 State of Origin

neg: Robbie Farah Farah captained the Tigers inaugural Auckland Nines squad. In round 6, he suffered a dislocated elbow, putting him in doubt for State of Origin game 1. He was ruled out for 6 weeks, but made a faster recovery and returned in round 10 against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. Farah was selected at hooker for the NSW Blues in game 1 of the 2014 State of Origin Series at Suncorp Stadium, with the Blues winning the 100th State of Origin match 12-8. He played in game 2 of the series in the 6-4 win, resulting in the Blues breaking their 8-year losing

neg: 1987 State of Origin series his third Origin game was named 'man of the match' after playing the game of his life. Later in the season an exhibition match was played at Long Beach, California. The game did not count toward the series, but the match retained State of Origin status and is included in the records and player appearance calculations. It was billed as an historic occasion for the game and an opportunity for rugby league to grab a foothold in the United States. It was a bold endeavour, but in reality, the match failed to create the barest ripple on America's sporting consciousness.

neg: 2011 State of Origin series 8–6 at halftime managed to keep Queensland scoreless in the second half whilst at the same time scoring tries through debutant William Hopoate and Anthony Minichiello to score a series-levelling 18–8 victory. Minichiello was one of only two NSW players who played in the last victorious NSW side, the other being Mark Gasnier. The Maroons' loss was their first in Sydney since Game I, 2008, their equal lowest score at the venue since Game I, 2004 and their lowest score in any Origin game since Game III, 2007. The Australian National Anthem was performed by the Sydney Children's Choir and

neg: Michael Ennis the City vs Country match on 8 May 2009. Ennis made his State of Origin debut for New South Wales in Game III of the 2009 series, replacing bitter rival Robbie Farah who was dropped. Ennis made an impact in his first game as the Blues won a dead rubber match, 28-16 with Ennis landing three goals from three attempts. He filled the full-time goal-kicking role at the Bulldogs in 2010, replacing Hazem El Masri, who retired in 2009. However, he was replaced by specialist Bryson Goodwin. Ennis played in all three games in 2010 State of Origin series, all

neg: Paul Salmon the winning Hawk's night Grand Final. Salmon retired from playing football at the end of the 2000 season. He made a comeback in 2002, after being drafted by Essendon at 37 years of age. He played 15 games in 2002 before permanently retiring from AFL football. Salmon had a prolific State of Origin career, kicking 45 goals in 14 games. He first played for Victoria in 1984, against South Australia, kicking 5 goals. Salmon next played at State of Origin level in 1986 against South Australia, kicking 4 goals. In the same year he participated in a game against Western

neg: 2007 State of Origin series 2007 State of Origin series The 2007 State of Origin series was the 26th year that the annual best-of-three series of interstate rugby league football matches between the Queensland and New South Wales representative teams was contested entirely under 'state of origin' selection rules. Queensland won the series by winning the first two games. New South Wales avoided the whitewash by winning the third match held at Suncorp Stadium. The Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series was awarded to Queensland's hooker, Cameron Smith. Ten thousand tickets to Game I at Suncorp Stadium were sold in seven minutes when

neg: 1998 State of Origin series 1998 State of Origin series The 1998 State of Origin series saw the 17th time that the annual three-game series between the Queensland and New South Wales representative rugby league football teams was contested entirely under 'state of origin' selection rules. The return of Super League-aligned stars to Origin following the end of the game's crippling civil war meant the stampeding Brisbane Broncos players were back - to the chagrin of the Blues. The series was notable for being the first in which no team won a game at home. Game I was a classic Origin encounter with each side

neg: Matt Cecchin Grand Final as lead referee along with assistant Ben Cummins. He was appointed lead referee for Game I of the 2017 State of Origin series. In February 2018, Cecchin refereed one Super League match when Wigan Warriors took their home game against Hull F.C. to WIN Stadium in Wollongong, Australia. Cecchin's father played reserve grade for the Newtown Jets. In 2012, Cecchin revealed he was gay, becoming the first NRL official or player since Ian Roberts in 1995 to do so. Cecchin has revealed having panic attacks before a match. He is a mental health ambassador for rugby league. Matt

neg: 1996 State of Origin series the halves didn't work and the Queenslanders' ball control was poor. Tim Brasher, chosen at fullback with Brett Mullins forced to the wing, justified his selection with a brilliant performance, while Paul Harragon was inspirational up front with Lazarus. The Blues comfortably wrapped up the series with an 18-6 win in game II at the Sydney Football Stadium, with Laurie Daley and Andrew Ettingshausen demonstrating repeatedly all the skills and speed that stamped them as Origin greats. The game was marred by the first send-off in State of Origin history when Queensland replacement forward Craig Greenhill was marched for a

neg: Tarkyn Lockyer against the Richmond Tigers. Opposition coach, Chris Connolly claimed Lockyer would be the first player selected if State of Origin football was to be played this year. Lockyer played his 200th AFL game in his home state against the West Coast Eagles at Subiaco Oval during Round 9 of the 2009 season. Collingwood won the game by 22 points with Lockyer having 25 possessions and kicking 2 goals. In and out of the side for the 2010 season, including being named as an emergency for both the Grand Final and replay, he played 11 games before retiring at the end

neg: Garry Jack and launched an attack on Jones’ ability as a coach following his ‘surprise’ reappointment for a third year. When his Australian club career ended having surpassed Keith Barnes' club record for first grade matches , he returned to England to play his final season with the Sheffield Eagles. In the 1984 State of Origin series Jack made his New South Wales début and played in all three games of that year's series. He was thereafter the Blues' first choice fullback for the next six years, aside from the 1987 fourth game exhibition match in Los Angeles when he made himself

neg: Cooper Cronk cap breaches. Cronk was named as part of the Four Nations team and played for Australia in 2009 Four Nations Tournament in Australia against France as a utility. Surgery on his groin saw Cronk miss Melbourne's appearance in the 2010 World Club Challenge. An injury to Johnathan Thurston saw Cronk selected for the 2010 ANZAC Test. Cronk played off the bench as a utility for Queensland in the 2010 State of Origin Series, playing in all three games. In Game II, he scored his first Origin try. He also played for Australia in the 2010 Four Nations. Cronk played in

neg: Michael O'Connor (rugby) of all time in a "Rugby League Week" Special in 1992. During 1987, O'Connor played both in the centres and on the wing for New South Wales in their 2-1 State of Origin series loss to Queensland where he scored 2 tries and kicked 5 goals for the series. He was then selected to play on the wing in Australia's 13-6 loss to New Zealand in the one-off test at Lang Park. In 1987 there was a 4th 'Exhibition' State of Origin game played in August. This game was played in Long Beach, California at the Veterans Memorial Stadium. Playing

neg: Mitchell Pearce representative debut, playing for City Origin against Country Origin and starting at halfback in the 22-22 all draw at WIN Stadium. On 2 July 2008, Pearce was selected to make his State of Origin debut for New South Wales, replacing the injured Peter Wallace in the Game 3 series decider match at ANZ Stadium. The Blues were defeated 16-10 and lost the series. Pearce later said, "In hindsight I wish I never played that early when I was 19 to 22. I definitely wasn't ready. As a halfback in Origin at 19, it was way too early. I probably developed

neg: 1994 State of Origin series 1994 State of Origin series The 1994 State of Origin series saw the 13th year that the annual three-game series between the Queensland and New South Wales representative rugby league football teams was contested entirely under 'state of origin' selection rules. Mark Coyne's completion of a miraculous team effort by Queensland to snatch victory in the dying seconds of Game I has become a featured moment in Origin folklore. In Game II a crowd of 87,000 flocked to the MCG setting a new Australian rugby league crowd record. In Game III New South Wales won their first ever Lang Park

neg: Olympic Park Stadium saw it move to the much larger Docklands Stadium the following season. Game II of the 1990 State of Origin series was the first to be played in Melbourne and the stadium was packed to capacity for New South Wales' victory over Queensland. Capacity for the stadium was upped to 25,800 through the use of temporary seating at each end. The stadium also held an NSWRL premiership match in 1993, when the St. George Dragons defeated the Western Suburbs Magpies 20–8 in front of 11,822 fans. The match was designated as a Wests home game. The stadium also hosted an