Chris Rattue provides four thoughts on last night's opening State of Origin clash in Sydney.

Queensland have taken a 1-0 lead in the State of Origin series following a tight win over New South Wales in Sydney last night.

Live updates of State of Origin I between New South Wales and Queensland and ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

New South Wales take on Queensland in the State of Origin series opener in Sydney tonight. Nzherald.co.nz takes a look at the best and worst of the Australian series.

Former Blues hooker Ben Elias has touted Kiwi Issac Luke as the best No. 9 in league and suggested that is why he copped a kicking from Cameron Smith.

It may not have been as dramatic as Trevor Gillmeister's 1995 heroics but Greg Inglis emerged from his hospital bed to join his Queensland teammates yesterday.

The Kiwis could play up to three mid-year tests annually, if ambitious plans by the New Zealand Rugby League come to fruition.

Behind the aura of invincibility, this is the back story of Johnathan Thurston's toughness, and why his record of 31 consecutive Origin appearances is simply no fluke.

For so long State of Origin was seen as the pinnacle of the game but it won't be too long before the international game takes over.

Sir Owen Glenn has approached two fellow knights to run the trust that will oversee his shareholding in the Warriors.

A UK rugby league match was bizarrely halted this morning as a fan invaded the pitch and attempted to kick a conversion.

Warriors rookie Albert Vete looks every bit the typical NRL frontrower, however looks can be deceiving.