The number of family violence assaults reported on the day of the first State of Origin game, from 6am on May 31 last year to 6am the next day, was 47 - it fell to 23 the following week. Dr Michael Livingstone, of CAPR, says the research used non-Origin Wednesdays as a comparison and that showed a dramatic difference. "There is an increase in non-domestic assaults as well, in pubs and on the streets in NSW, " he said. Dr Livingstone said that his previous work also revealed a rise in alcohol related harm on AFL grand final day in Victoria so the problems are not restricted to just one code of football. He also says there has been extensive research in the United Kingdom on family violence around the world cup. "It happens when there is major event, lots of people drinking and hanging out together, the incidence of violence will be higher - but Wednesday is normally a quiet night."

Dr Melanie Pescud, research manager at the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, said that in Australia, alcohol is a contributing factor in over half of all family violence incidents and she estimates that on State of Origin night, it would be even higher because alcohol is promoted so extensively as part of the fixtures. "We call on the NRL to acknowledge these figures and let the public know what is going on. We also ask them to reconsider the heavy promotion of alcohol as part its ongoing sponsorships," she said. Alcohol manufacturer and distributor Lion sponsors the NRL. Both teams wear logos on their uniforms: NSW has Tooheys New and Queensland is XXXX. The NRL has also announced a partnership with Carlton United to create a State of Origin beer. A spokesperson for one refuge in Queanbeyan said that on June 5 and June 7, support workers had no emergency calls.

On June 6, the night of the first State of Origin game, the team leader reported that support workers were on the phone for two hours, dealing with calls from women in need. Wests Tigers chairwoman Marina Go said the figures demonstrated a serious issue for the rugby league community. "It is something we need to address. Women are an important part of rugby league and our community and we need to care about this issue because we must demonstrate that those women matter." Women's Community Shelters chief executive Annabelle Daniel sa the refuges in her network observed a spike in family violence during and just after major sporting events. She said that this year, according to managers within the network, women who were referred to the service reported that even though they had just been paid, they did not have any money.