Series margin 2-1 Top points scorer(s) Dane Gagai (16) | Player of the series Cameron Smith Top try scorer(s) Dane Gagai (4) | |
Won by Queensland (22nd title) Attendance 193,811 (ave. 64,604 per match) | ||
The 2016 State of Origin series was the 36th 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).
The Maroons are the defending champions, but have a new coach in Kevin Walters, following the appointment of Mal Meninga to the position of Australian head coach.
New South Wales Blues
1 - Josh Dugan was originally selected to play in Game I, but he withdrew due to an elbow injury. He was replaced by Josh Morris.
2 - James Tamou was originally selected to start on the bench in Game I, but however on game day he swapped positions with Greg Bird. Bird was moved from lock to bench, Tamou moved from bench to prop and Paul Gallen from prop to lock.
3 - Wade Graham was originally selected to play in Game II, but he was suspended. He was replaced by Tyson Frizell.
4 - Josh Morris was originally selected to play in Game II, but was forced out due to injury. Dylan Walker was moved from the bench to centre, while Jack Bird was promoted from 19th man to the bench.
5 - Adam Reynolds was originally selected to play halfback in Game III, but withdrew due to injury. James Maloney shifted from five-eighth to halfback and Matt Moylan, who had originally been dropped from the squad for James Tedesco, was recalled into the squad to start at five-eighth.