How to Host a State of Origin Party

Here are some ideas for hosting a State of Origin party in the comfort of your own home.

State of Origin Party Catering

A rugby league party is going to be all about meat pies and sausage rolls. (Think Pie Town). You can splash out on some fancy ones from your local butcher or just grab something from the freezer section. Make-your-own hamburgers, pizzas or hot dogs are all good alternatives.

We’ll probably put some sweet potato chips in the oven as well. Think about tray baking some extra vegetables. You might like to add a freshly made Panzanella salad, chargrilled vegetable salad, potato cake, or grilled tomatoes.

If you want to add some nibbles beforehand consider bowls of popcorn, corn chips and beetroot hummus. Other maroon-coloured food include sweet potato chips and beetroot wafers crackers (both in the health food aisle).

If you like baking consider themed iced cupcakes, with chocolate bullets as mini footballs. Just add three small lines with white icing for the ball stitching. Some health shops stock beetroot powder if you’re keen to do some baking.

Alternatively, look out for blue spirulina powder available at health stores and online (eg iHerb). It’s an algae packed with nutrients.

Serve up cans of cold XXXX, local craft beer or SOBAH.

Some maroon-coloured cocktails to consider include Campari and Tonic, Beetroot Fizz, or something containing cranberry juice. Otherwise, just go with an orange-based cocktail. Think sangria jugs or Aperols.

State of Origin Party Decorations

Look it’s either going to be all maroon or light blue. It’s a no-brainer. Grab your paper napkins and lay down your best tablecloth. Express Party Supplies has a good range of State of Origin-themed tableware, costumes and accessories.

If you are feeling creative, then you might like to create a flag bunting using maroon fabric and white lettering (either embroidered or using ready-made iron-on letters). The best shapes will be swallowtail, guideon or gonfalon flags.

State of Origin Party Dress Code

The dress code is anything in maroon or light blue. There are plenty of maroon shorts at Jay Jays or City Beach. Of course, you can purchase some official branded merchandise. Think jerseys, tees, shirts, caps and water bottles.

Best and Less has a good range of State of Origin Supporter gear, including t-shirts, jerseys, hoodies, polo shirts, beanies, scarves and more.

Did you know that you can personalize your jersey, backpack, shirt or jumper with unique letters and numbers at Rebel Sports? (It’s up to 15 characters and 2 large letters – $15 for one and $20 for both sets). The vinyl lettering and numbers are available in black, navy, red, yellow and white.

You won’t get kicked out if you turn up in your Bronco gear. You might like to wear Hawaiian or fruit-themed printed cotton shirts.

State of Origin Merchandise

Official State of Origin merchandise is available from:

• the NRL Shop: https://www.nrlshop.com/
• Maroons Shop: https://www.maroonsshop.com/
• Rebel Sports https://www.rebelsport.com.au/fangear/rugby-league/state-of-origin

For the latest information, head to the NRL State of Origin website: https://www.nrl.com/origin

To attend a live match, you may like to sign up as a Maroon Members and Blatchys Blues. Purchase tickets from the official website: nrl.com/tickets.

The 2024 State of Origin Draw

The 2024 AState of Origin series is as follows:

• Game 1 – Wednesday 5^th June 2024 – Accor Stadium, Sydney
• Game 2 – Wednesday 26^th June 2024 – Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
• Game 3 – Wednesday 17^th July 2024 – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Tickets are on sale for all three matches at nrl.com/tickets

Please leave a comment to let us know your State of Origin party plans or what worked well at your last one.