The spiritual home of rugby league will play host to more than just a State of Origin clash this week, with in Game one of 2014 to be the 100th game between New South Wales and Queensland.
Recreation and Sport Minister Steve Dickson unveiled a plaque to commemorate the milestone at the Caxton St end of Suncorp Stadium, and said State of Origin had become one of the great rivalries in world sport.
“Origin is now one of the most anticipated events on the Australian sporting calendar, even in traditional non-Rugby League states and overseas, and the rivalry just gets bigger,” Mr Dickson said.
Mr Dickson said it was appropriate the 100th game of Origin would be played where it all began back in 1980.
“It’s been a thrilling 99 games so far, and Queensland has well and truly gained the upper hand in terms of both games won (53 to 44 with two draws) and series wins (18 to 12 with 2 draws).
“Suncorp Stadium and before that Lang Park has hosted 48 of the 99 games played, with Queensland winning 30, New South Wales 17 and 1 draw.
“This dominance really shows what playing at the cauldron means to the home team.
“Our ongoing investment in maintaining and developing Suncorp Stadium infrastructure ensures it is the perfect venue for large scale sporting events.
“The entire community benefits from the economic flow-on, as part of our election promise to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the economy.
“More than 1.8 million have watched the 48 games live here at the spiritual home of rugby league, and I hope to see a sea of Maroons supporters at Suncorp tomorrow night.
“The Mighty Maroons are going for an historic ninth straight series win, and I really hope this success will inspire a new generation of Queenslanders to pick up a football and get active - a key goal of the Government’s Get in the Game program.
“We are keen to encourage more young Queenslanders to get involved in recreation and sport, and events like State of Origin really help to motivate kids to pick up a ball and have fun with their friends.”
