League’s southern push finally working

 
Adam Santarossa Roar Guru

By Adam_Santarossa, 9 Jun 2009 Adam Santarossa is a Roar Guru

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Rugby league has been trying to assert itself in the AFL heartland of Victoria for many years. But it’s only in the last few days that the effectiveness of the NRL’s push south has finally been noticed.

However, it wasn’t noticed in the 55,000 strong crowd selling out Etihad Stadium for Origin 1, nor the record television audience recorded in Victoria for the game.

No, the NRL’s storming of Victoria was finally noticed by the actions of my 73 year old Grandma.

My lovely Nan, who is a Carlton tragic and AFL diehard through and through, was, to my surprise, excitedly preparing to sit down and watch Origin 1. “They are saying down here that no one will watch the game, but I can’t wait” she said.

Of course, like most Victorians, my nan cheers on the Maroons (which ensures she forgoes any decent birthday present from me come birthday time).

But whilst her support of the Maroons came as no surprise, her comment about being unable to wait to see “her Billy” ( as in Melbourne Storm, Queensland and Australian fullback, Billy Slater.) did.

This tagline is a true indication of my Nan’s affection and until now has only been reserved for Carlton footballers and her non-Blues faves, Jonathan Brown and Ben Cousins (pre-2007).

Now, although it is still a long way away before my Nan begins spruiking her love for her “international Dell” , her ” Wolfman” or her “Taniela The Tank”, it shows the NRL is making a mighty imprint South of the Border.

The fans present for Origin 1 also back up this claim, hootering and hollering at the right moments and were on the edge of their seats throughout.

This has been achieved even with NRL games shown in the wee-hours cramped between adult advertising and Danoz Direct (Free to Air).

Following the success of last week’s Origin, there has been renewed calls to make a Melbourne Origin an annual event.

I say let’s take it a step further: why not expand Origin to a five-game series, with two games each year in NSW and Queensland and one game a year in Melbourne.

I say you can’t have too much of a good thing.

And in case you’re wondering, Nan’s already camping out for Origin next year!

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