sidelined

State of Origin I is almost upon us folks. Just one sleep to go for the big day. And what better time to give a preview of the game.


This was ANZ Stadium about 10:00am this (Tuesday) morning. A preview of sorts yes? What? You want reasoned analysis? Maybe but isn’t the more interesting topic why I was at ANZ today?

A large IT vendor that I have an association with did a product launch at ANZ. It was quite a nifty thing to do. They also enticed us with the promise of a NSW Origin great making an appearance. And that NSW great was…

Wayne Pearce (with your Sidelined correspondent). He spoke for a good 30 minute telling a few tales and taking about motivation. I was quite impressed as he was very well spoken and very friendly. Not bad for a bloke who never played for the mighty Eels.

‘Junior’ enjoyed regaling us with stories from his playing and coaching days. Being Origin eve I’ll share one with you.

In 2000, NSW were 2-0 up and looking for a historic clean sweep of the series. Pearce, as coach, decided to forgo his final address to the players. Instead, each player was to think of one word to describe their approach to the game and share it with their teammates.

Sitting around in a circle, Brad Fittler as captain went first. His word was passion. An obvious choice for Origin. After a few more players, it was Andrew Johns’ turn. His word was lifetime as winning an Origin series 3-0 was once in a lifetime experience. A few more players then spoke. It was getting intense and everyone was firing up when it was ex-Cronulla prop Jason Stevens tune. His word…photosynthesis. Pearce was a little puzzled and asked Stevens why he chose photosynthesis.

“Well, it is the biggest game I’ve ever played so I’ve chose the biggest word I know.” Even with the entire team cracking up and losing the moment they still went on and completed the job.

The highlight though was a tour of ANZ Stadium. We got to go in and bless the Blues dressing rooms…

And lay a hoodoo on the dirty Cane Toads’ dressing rooms…

And then I got to do something I’ve always wanted to do. Walk down the players entrance onto the ground…

It is a little hard to hear but as we were walking out, a mock introduction was being played over the PA giving the impression you were about to enter a proper game. All that was needed was 80,000 people cheering and screaming. Even without them, I got a little tingle down the spine walking out there.

Then I got told to stay off the grass once outside. But it was a grand morning at ANZ.

Go the Blues!