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The cries of our Tasman brothers are being heard loud and clear: the Polynesians and kiwi Rugby League players say they want to play State of Origin footy. But the question is why can’t they play State of Origin, Kiwi style?
For too long this debate rages when State of Origin permeates the air, but the debate should be brought forward, these questions should be asked now.
We have seen this with the success of the promotion of the NRL Dreamtime v All-Stars game; every channel covers the latest updates (whereas this doesn’t happen for the AFL game played in Darwin or Alice Springs).
So why not have a discussion on behalf of our white cloud neighbours, why not discuss the possibility of having a North Island vs South Island game – an Island of Origin – every year.
Rugby League is played mainly on the North Island, but nonetheless a game between the two islands would attract much fanfare amongst the Kiwis, and even amongst Australian League fans.
Although the NZRL are looking at bringing in the ‘Kiwi Roots’ game, this is a disadvantage to the game across New Zealand in general, as this game is played between Auckland and the rest of the country. Whereas an ‘Island of Origin’ would bring the whole country into rivalry, not just Auckland verses the rest.
The game would spread further afield, and become entrenched in the New Zealand sporting calendar as something that brings the whole country together in rivalry. It would attract more people to the game, along with more media coverage.
The game would have to be played only once a year initially, but may end up being played three times. It would have to be played either at the start of the league calendar or at the end. All in all it is a good move for the game in New Zealand, and internationally.
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