1980 QLD v NSW Game II @ Leichhardt Oval (King Wally plays halfback)

This was the final interstate game before rugby league fans would get their first taste of State of Origin later in the year (July 8).
It was a sad site to see just 1,368 at Leichhardt Oval on 27/5/1980 for this return interstate clash, but Queensland at least proved far more competitive than they were in Game I at Lang Park (losing by 32 points).
Origin simply had to come in, especially when you see the likes of Rod Morris, John Lang and Kerry Boustead all lining up for NSW when they are born and bred Queenslanders.
The following season, 1981, followed the same interstate format - two non-Origins followed by an Origin match.
After that, it was Origin all the way!

[@johnanthonycafe2993]

Prefer this commentary to the history of the game we get
with every tackle today.

[@user-vm6jf5xm9y]

Referee seem to blow the whistle every scrum to Qld.

[@robocop5935]

A state of origin match at leichhardt. There's no one there. Where's the crowd.

[@laffo1980]

It’s not origin

[@Jetsboy69]

A Queenslander would never accept a blue jersey, pride, you know? Hang on a minute. lol.

[@laffo1980]

The quality of the game is a disgrace. Thank god origin was invented from this

[@LeonAust]

Poor old Rugby League it once was the game of champions, until the internet and outside influences competed against it.
Us Aussies realise now there are bigger and better world out there that play sports that world take notice............and It ain't AFL.