Rising Concerns Over the State of Origin Series
Josh Morris, a former NSW player who represented his state in 14 Origin games, has expressed “genuine fears” about the future of the State of Origin series. His concerns are driven by the increasing frequency of high-scoring games in the National Rugby League (NRL), where blowout results have become the norm rather than the exception.
This past weekend saw Cronulla deliver a stunning performance, scoring 50 points in a dominant win over the Wests Tigers. Meanwhile, the clash between the Knights and Rabbitohs turned into a high-octane shootout, with the final scoreline reading 42-38. These types of matches highlight a growing trend in the NRL: an emphasis on attacking play, with defensive structures often falling apart under pressure.
The rise in scoring can be attributed to several factors, including the increased use of six-agains, which allow teams to retain possession and create more opportunities for attack. This shift has led to faster-paced games, where momentum changes happen rapidly, and teams are often able to score multiple tries in quick succession.
A Purist’s Perspective
Morris, who is known for his deep understanding of the game, believes that the current direction of the sport could negatively impact the State of Origin series. He argues that the marquee event should not be reduced to a “scorefest,” as it was in many NRL games this season.
“I do not want this to turn into a scorefest and be like the majority of NRL games, because that is not what Origin is about,” he said on The Continuous Call Team’s Offload podcast. “It is the toughest arena, and I would like to see the teams build pressure, stay down there for a period of time, and come up with a try … that’s what Origin is, it’s a grind.”
He further emphasized that the fast, almost touch-football style of play currently dominating the league is not in line with the traditional values of the game. As a purist and a lover of rugby league, Morris is concerned that the series may lose its identity if this trend continues.
A Contrast in Views
While Morris’ concerns reflect those of many within the rugby league community, Queensland coach Billy Slater takes a different stance. He believes that despite the high-scoring games, most teams still maintain a defensive mindset.
“I still think there will be a defence-orientated mindset around most teams,” Slater said on The Billy Slater Podcast. “If you’re focusing on the pretty stuff, you’re looking for the easy option.”
Slater acknowledged that the game has become quicker and more space-filled, making it harder for teams to defend effectively. However, he insists that coaches are still prioritizing defensive strategies to counteract these challenges.
“[Teams] will put 50 on you so quickly now,” he explained. “There’s so much space and it’s so quick, and if you don’t have a defensive mindset, you’re gonna rattle up a score against you. It has to be a big picture and you need to have a whole of game mindset when you go in there.”
The Road Ahead
Slater will lead the Queensland Maroons into the 2026 State of Origin series, which kicks off on May 27. As the competition moves forward, the balance between attack and defense will continue to be a key topic of discussion among players, coaches, and fans alike.
With the current trends in the NRL showing no signs of slowing down, the question remains: will the State of Origin series maintain its traditional identity, or will it evolve into a more high-scoring, fast-paced event? Only time will tell.
