<P> After Queensland lost the first two interstate matches in 1980 (35--3 and 17--7, the second game in front of only 1,638 Sydneysiders) it was announced that a' state of origin' match would take place on 8 July at Lang Park in Brisbane . The New South Wales media gave both the event, and Queensland's chance of winning it, little credence, calling the game a "three day wonder". Australia's 1978 captain Bob Fulton called the match "the non-event of the century". Ron MacAullife however, was now committed to the concept and vigorously promoted the match . Thousands of tickets were sold before the game had been officially sanctioned . Although interstate matches in Brisbane had still been well attended (24,653 had attended the opening match of the 1979 series), few expected the sell - out crowd of 33,210 Queensland rugby league fans, delighted to see their heroes in the likes of Arthur Beetson representing their home state for the first time ever . Queensland convincingly beat New South Wales 20--10 . </P> <P> I was strongly against such a match, but last night's gripping clash showed that such a fixture would be a welcome addition to the League program . </P> <P> In 1981 the first two interstate matches were again played under the old selection rules . As New South Wales won the first two matches in the series, state of origin selection rules were used once more in the third match . Although New South Wales ran out to an early 15--0 lead in the game, Queensland rallied to win 22--15 . </P> <P> The interest generated by the experimental state of origin matches of 1980 and 1981 and the potential for financial rewards were enough to convince the authorities to play all three games under state of origin rules the following year . </P>

When did nsw win a state of origin