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Sport is an important part of the culture of the Australian state of Queensland. Golf is the most played organised sport and touch football the most played team sport. Netball is the most popular female sport, while rugby league is the most watched sport. The largest sporting event held in Queensland annually of the Gold Coast 600 motor race.
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Australian rules football
Australian Football has a long history in Queensland. The first foray made by the then VFL came in the form of the Brisbane Bears, who began playing Premiership matches in 1987. Despite some rocky times in the northern state, the game now appears to be entrenched within the Queensland, thanks to a hat-trick of AFL Premiership wins from 2001-2003. The introduction of the Gold Coast Suns in 2011 highlights the game's growth in Queensland.
Cricket
Cricket is popular in Queensland. Many domestic and international matches are held here at The Gabba. The Queensland Bulls are based in Brisbane and represent Queensland in Australia's domestic cricket tournaments:
Rugby league
Rugby league is the most spectated sport in Queensland. Queensland Rugby League has been in operation since 1908, creating strong roots in both city and regional communities. There are currently three teams in the National Rugby League competition:
There are currently two official Queensland NRL expansions bids to be based at -
The other major rugby league team is the Queensland Maroons who play New South Wales Blues in the fiercely contested three game State of Origin competition.
The other major state based competition is the Queensland Cup.
Swimming
Swimming is also a popular sport in Queensland, with a majority of Australian team members and international medalists hailing from the state. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Queensland swimmers won all six of Australia's gold medals, all swimmers on Australia's three female (finals) relays teams were from Queensland, two of which won gold.
At the 2004 Summer Olympics, 2005 and 2007 World Long Course Swimming Championships, Australia won both the 4 × 100 m freestyle and medley relays. In five of these teams, three out of the four swimmers were from Queensland, and in the medley relay in 2007, all were from Queensland.
Other events
Queensland Sports Awards
Each year the Queensland Sport Awards are held. The major award is the Sport Star of the Year: