sidelined

The difference between Queensland and New South Wales last night is simple. When Queensland were out on their feet in the second half, dropping the ball and giving the Blues great field position, they just didn’t give in. They got themselves up for one more desperate tackle. They summoned what reserves they had left to make the hit count. They took their chances. The ignominy of the last try a testament to the Queenslanders’ patience and fortitude. They could see history beckoning and were not going to fail to enter her embrace after the game. They had passion and determination. Qualities that New South Wales could not sustain over a match let alone a consecutive 5 minutes. The only answer they seemed to have was to take Inglis out with a cheap shot. Origin is no place for the meek and spirit but it is also no place for thuggery born of players weak in spirit. A player that indulges such tactics is a player bereft of the skill and desire to win a game on his own merits.

Queensland deserved their win. No doubt about it.

But what of NSW? To late for game III. Let the selectors have their feeble attempt at meaningless redemption. We can even laugh at their hollow cries of vindication if NSW win the third game. It matters not. The selectors will still circle the wagons and pretend that they had nothing to do with the past four years of Origin ineptitude. They all should go along with Bellamy.

And the solution for 2010? One that is most delicious in its simplicity and most radical in its execution.

Bring back Gus. Not just as coach but as the sole selector. He knows the type of player that Origin needs. Let him build the side without interference from the incompetent unaccountables. Let him bring in former Origin greats to remind the players the legacy they need to uphold. Let him build a dynasty that will last for at least 5 years!

For in NSW there are now children who have never known life with a series winning NSW Origin team. All they know is is the suffocating, soul destroying, maroon tinged darkness of Queensland domination.

Next year let those kiddies ring in the cheers of victory so that they may, with Gus leading the way, finally know the joys of walking under the clear Blue skies of NSW.