It is a ridiculous concept on which to build a game of football. The use of what should be an archaic notion of parochialism to foment such passion is bizarre. It wouldn’t be so bad in Queensland would just accept their lesser status as an off cut of New South Wales but for some reason they think they can be just as good. The blame for all this can be laid squarely at the feet of John Oxley.
Seriously, State of Origin produces a type of league rarely seen at international level and hardly hinted at even in the toughest of NRL games. It produces moments of audacious brilliance and exhilarating games that you remember for years. That is what I love about Origin, that the memories don’t fade. Like how did Wally Lewis win all those man of the match awards? Sure some games he deserved but in other games he was outplayed yet still got the honours. It burns to this very day. And I still remember being in the common room at uni in ’88 watching Origin descend into what was then the traditional all in brawl. Good times.
But onto this year. As per usual, both sides are jockeying for the coveted underdog status. On paper, New South Wales have the better forwards, Queensland the better backs. But that means nothing. You could take a bunch of players from a Queensland cup side, put the Maroon jersey on them and they’d play like hardened first graders. New South Wales are really going to have to play it tough and dominate the ruck to limit Queensland’s opportunity with the ball. They have points in them that New South Wales lack unless Hayne can inject himself into the attack at the right time. I worry that he is on the wing and hope Bellamy has a plan to bring him into the line especially when attacking Queensland’s end of the field.
On the other side, I have no illusions that Lockyer or Petero are too old for Origin. It may be their last campaign but their legs will feel young again when they run out tomorrow night. Thurston’s shoulder may be a worry but even if his shoulder was only hanging on by a ligament he’d keep playing and still produce something brilliant.
I was critical of the New South Wales team but that doesn’t matter now. What does is beating Queensland. and ending this calamitous drought of series victories. In New South Wales’ favour is the stat they have won every series opening game played at ANZ Stadium. The weather forecast does call for rain tomorrow and that will even up the contest but it shall be a cracker of a game. Go the Blues!
And apologies as there will be no live blogging of Origin I this year. I’ll be away from home watching the game in 3-D with surround sound. Yes, I’ll be at ANZ with Bismark (hopefully under shelter).
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2 responses so far ↓
derrida derider // May 27, 2010 at 2:31 pm
“On paper, New South Wales have the better forwards, Queensland the better backs.”
Actually what this match showed is that NSW have the better forwards, Qld the better halves. No dissing Slater et al, but playing behind them makes any competent backline look good, and a good backline look brilliant.
The NSW forwards made quite a bit more yardage last night than the Qld ones (s0 much for the meme about them not being hungry enough), but Lockyer and Thurston were both devastating. In the wet the halves decide things.
Mountain Boy // May 28, 2010 at 9:14 am
Not many out there like Slater, just as the same people didn’t like King Wally or Alfie too much. Noone needs to like the person to respect what they can do with a football in their hands. There’s not much doubt to me that Slater is the best NRL player – Number 1 bar none. Like him or hate him. Has been for some time. Inglis second but not by not a big space.
I just have to disagree with the thought that a great forward pack is what makes Slater look good.
NSW’s problem for years has been the lack of need to play expansive football. I remember winning origins once upon a time, and I remember the way the tries used to be scored. Line breaks through good ball to centres and wingers (you know – the fast ones out there?), and others ready to back-up on the inside. I know its always hard to cement good combinations in a week’s camp. Maybe though, if the coach does some preparation for once, and has 30 to 40 usable plays to work on – they might start showing a bit more with the ball.