The State of Origin drinking game is less about high-level strategy and more about bonding over cold drinks and footy chaos. Rooted in the fierce rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland, fans crank up the fun by assigning drinks to specific match events—think classic commentary clichés, sideline drama, and good ol’ fashioned biff.
It’s the ultimate way to turn State of Origin into a social event, whether you’re a rugby league tragic or just there for the vibes. Played at homes, bars, and backyard BBQs, it’s about camaraderie, not competition. Just remember: knowing your limit is as important as knowing the starting lineup.
Table of Contents
Basic State of Origin Drinking Game Rules for First-Timers
Every drinking game needs a warm-up, and this one’s no different. If it’s your first rodeo, here’s how to ease in.
Easy Rule Triggers
- Every try = take a sip
- Missed conversion = drink twice
- Coach shown on screen yelling = three sips
- “Mate against mate” uttered = everyone drinks
Pre-Game Rituals
Before kickoff, assign teams: you’re drinking for NSW or QLD. Every time your team scores? Celebrate with a drink. If they concede? Well, bottoms up.
Pacing Tips
Start light. You don’t want to be benched by halftime. Stick to beers or low-alcohol cocktails to stay in the game. Water between drinks? That’s not cowardice. That’s endurance.
Intermediate State of Origin Drinking Game Rules
Level up when you’re ready to handle the heat.
Commentary-Based Rules
- Every time Phil Gould asks, “Is there a bigger stage?” = take a shot
- Gus goes quiet for dramatic effect = everyone sips in unison
- Any mention of “glory” = two drinks
Player Behavior Triggers
- Butt tap of encouragement? That’s a drink
- Player points to the crowd = two sips
- A cheeky punch? Finish your drink if there’s a sin bin
Crowd & Ref Reaction Cues
- Crowd booing a referee decision = sip with sympathy
- Ref uses video replay = drink until decision’s announced
- Streaker alert = everyone cheers and downs half their drink
Hardcore Origin Fans Only – Advanced Game Night Rules
This one’s for the die-hards. It’s not for the faint-livered.
Big Play Triggers
- Intercept try = finish your drink
- Sin bin = everyone stands and downs a full drink
- Punch thrown = shot for everyone, no discussion
Team-Specific Punishments
- QLD scores? NSW fans drink
- NSW wins a scrum? QLD fans cheers and sip
- NSW player fumbles? That’s a drink for their fans too
Optional Chaos Challenges
- Every offside = assign a dare
- Every Origin fight = loser of rock-paper-scissors drinks
- Every injury stoppage = trivia question or a penalty sip
Wild Variations for State of Origin Drinking Game
1. The “One-Eyed Commentator” Rule
Choose a team to back. Every time the commentator shows blatant bias toward the opposing side, you must dramatically complain and then drink.
Example: If you’re a NSW fan and the commentator says “Queensland just wanted it more,” you shout “RUBBISH!” and take a swig.
Bonus: Do it in your worst Phil Gould impersonation.
2. Coach-Cam Drinking Duel
Every time the camera cuts to either coach looking stressed, everyone bets how many seconds until he swears.
- Winner gives out 2 drinks.
- Losers drink and mimic his facial expression.
Bonus: If the coach throws his headset or slams a clipboard, finish your drink.
3. Ref Roulette
Assign each person a number (1–6). Every time the ref blows the whistle, roll a die.
- If your number comes up, it’s your turn to drink and yell “He was OFFSIDE!”
- Snake eyes = Everyone drinks and throws imaginary flags.
4. “What Just Happened?” Rule
Whenever the commentators talk over a replay and no one knows what’s happening:
- Everyone guesses the outcome (knock-on, penalty, try).
- Get it wrong? You drink.
- Get it right? Give out a drink.
Bonus: Everyone must act out what they think just happened in slow motion.
5. The Goose Step Challenge
Whenever a player does a goose step or sidestep:
- The last person to shout “GOOSE!” must waddle like a goose while drinking.
- Penalty sip for not doing the move correctly.
Yes, film it. You’ll want to revisit this later—if you survive the night.
Top 10 State of Origin Moments You Should Drink To
Every Origin fan has that one moment they’ll never forget. These plays, punch-ons, and post-try celebrations are burned into Aussie footy folklore. So why not toast to them?
Here’s a list of Top 10 iconic State of Origin moments—each with its own drink cue to raise your glass to.
- Wally Lewis vs. Mark Geyer Face-Off (1991)
Rule: Every time the footage is shown or referenced, stand up and toast the King. - Billy Slater’s Freakish Try (2004)
Rule: Replay it on YouTube during halftime. Everyone takes a sip for each time someone shouts “genius!” - Trevor Gillmeister playing with a busted neck (1995)
Rule: Honour the toughness—drink with your left hand only for the next 5 minutes. - Paul Gallen Punches Myles (2013)
Rule: If there’s a biff on screen or someone mentions it, down a shot and chant “bring back the biff.” - Greg Inglis’s Left-Hand Fend Montage (Every Year Ever)
Rule: Fend the person next to you (gently!) and sip with swagger. - Tom Trbojevic’s Hat Trick (2021)
Rule: Watch the highlights, and drink every time the commentators say “unstoppable.” - Queensland’s 8 in a Row Dynasty (2006–2013)
Rule: NSW fans drink in sorrow. QLD fans drink in smug satisfaction. - JT’s Golden Point Goal (2012)
Rule: Take a shot in silence. One of the few moments that shut everyone up. - The Streaker in 2017 Game 2
Rule: If a streaker is mentioned or appears, drink and run a lap of the lounge (clothed, please). - Game 3 Decider in the Rain (2022)
Rule: Every rain-soaked tackle = sip in solidarity with soggy heroes.
Team Challenge: Maroons vs Blues Drinking Game
It’s time to turn your Origin watch party into a full-blown team battle, with this DIY Maroons vs. Blues drinking war. How to Play:
Step 1: Split the Room
Assign guests to Team NSW or Team QLD. Wear colours. Talk trash. Bonus points for painted faces or footy gear.
Step 2: Assign Challenges by Halves
Each half of the game has its own mini-competition:
First Half:
- Trivia Round (before kickoff): 5 questions about Origin history. Losers drink per wrong answer.
- Try Time Tally: Every time your team scores, you assign 2 drinks to the other team.
Second Half:
- Chant-Off: Midway through the half, hold a chant battle. Loudest wins. Losers? Drink and do the other team’s chant.
- Mystery Dare Round: Before kickoff, each team writes 3 mystery dares. Draw one randomly at the 60-minute mark.
Bonus Round:
- Fan-ism Penalties: If someone gets too smug or says “it’s just a game,” automatic shot. No questions asked.
Score is settled at full time. Losing team buys the next round.
Design Your Origin Den: Game Night Setups That Go Hard
Want to host the State of Origin party everyone talks about until next year? Here’s how to create an Origin Den worthy of legends.
1. The Big Screen Blitz
Projector? Giant TV? Two TVs side-by-side with different commentary streams? Bigger is better. Get your tech in order early and test that audio.
2. Blue vs Maroon Decor Warfare
- Divide your space down the middle: blue fairy lights on one side, maroon streamers on the other.
- Hang up State flags, face cut-outs of Wally Lewis, Andrew Johns, or Turbo Tom.
- Assign each guest a team and theme drinks/snacks to match.
3. Themed Drink Station
Set up two mini-bars—NSW and QLD themed.
NSW Bar: Blue cocktails (blue lagoon, blueberry mojito), Tooheys, and vodka mixers.
QLD Bar: Bundy & cola, mango daiquiris, XXXX Gold.
Use food dye for a cheeky visual boost.
4. Soundtrack for Pre-Game
Make a playlist: pump it full of Aussie classics (INXS, Midnight Oil, Daryl Braithwaite). Add a few Origin theme remixes and that one song that gets everyone yelling by track 4.
5. The “Sin Bin” Corner
Got a mate who always talks during important plays? Or someone who drinks too slow? Time-out in the Sin Bin corner. Put a hi-vis vest and cone in there. They stay until the next try or ad break.
Game On, Legends
Whether you’re team Blues or Maroons, the State of Origin drinking game turns every big hit and sideline meltdown into a reason to cheer (and chug). It’s all about laughs, mateship, and making memories you might half-forget tomorrow.
So grab a drink, pick a side, and yell like a lunatic—because Origin night isn’t just a game, it’s a tradition