Actually, Paul, it's not rugby, but rugby league. There is a difference, not only in the rules but how many players take the field at one time. In league it's 13, and in rugby [union] it's 15.
Also, while NSW and QLd are predominantly the 2 main rugby league states, all states [including Victoria and both territories] have strong rugby league followings and support minor/local leagues outside of the NRL. In fact, South Australia and Western Australia had teams in the national competition back in the 80's, the Adelaide Rams and the Western Reds. Sadly, the administrators of the game at the time deemed both sides to be unviable geographically and thus they were cut from the competition. Hopefully the NRL can be expanded to include teams from these states again
As for the State of Origin, what a fantastic and gutsy Queensland win. NSW threw everything at them but the kitchen sink and still couldn't pull off a win.... and, as usual.... er, I mean always, the NSW coach and players blamed the refs, match officials and even doctors for the loss. Now I know what NSW stands for in rugby league terms: Never Stops Whining. I mean, seriously, what a bunch of cry babies, sitting around the pitch and bawling like that. Hehe, it seems the weekend fixtures will be called off due to a water-logged playing surface.
Q: Why is it the NSW Blues are sponsored by a Victorian beer [VB] instead of one from Tooheys, a NSW brewer?
A: Tooheys did sponsor NSW for a few years but tired of backing such a constant loser.
