Origin Series
|
|
Origin Series is the official name in England for the "War of The Roses" inter-county Rugby League matches between representative teams from Yorkshire and Lancashire, the areas where the League code has traditionally been most popular.
Player eligibility for the Origin Series is based on the player's region of birth. Players born outside of Yorkshire and Lancashire are also eligible for selection, based on the region where they first played Rugby League at professional level.
"War of the Roses" games began in 1895, but ceased in 1989. They were revived in 2001 under the name of the Origin Series, inspired by the success of State of Origin matches in Australia between New South Wales and Queensland.
The Origin Series was reduced to a one-off Origin Game in 2003, and then abandoned due to apathy from Rugby League supporters.