Rugby League

The MCG has hosted 15 rugby league matches, with the first match held in 1914 between England and New South Wales. 

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Most recently, the MCG has been used as the Melbourne-base for State of Origin matches, hosting six of these matches between Queensland and New South Wales since 1994.  

The Melbourne Storm played at the MCG twice in 2000, winning both times. One of those wins was a 70-10 humiliation of the St George Illawarra Dragons in the rematch of the infamous 1999 decider.

The first rugby league State of Origin match at the MCG was played on June 8, 1994, attracting a then record league crowd in Australia of 87,161.

The MCG hosted State of Origin Game Two in 2015, in front of a record 91,513 Game One in 2018 in front of 87,122 fans and most recently Game Two of the 2024 series in front of 90,084. 

Notable Rugby League Matches at the MCG

List of notable rugby league matches at the MCG
Date Event Attendance
June 8, 1994 State of Origin: New South Wales v Queensland 87,161
May 31, 1995 State of Origin: Queensland v New South Wales 52,994
June 11, 1997 State of Origin: New South Wales v Queensland 25,015
March 3, 2000 NRL: Melbourne Storm v St George-Illawarra 23,239
June 23, 2000 NRL: Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks 15,587
June 17, 2015 State of Origin: New South Wales v Queensland 91,513
June 6, 2018 State of Origin: New South Wales v Queensland 87,122
June 26, 2024 State of Origin: New South Wales v Queensland 90,084