Queensland’s Cameron Smith celebrates with Nate Myles. AAP Image/Dean Lewins
Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls: the nation could just about come to a standstill next Wednesday night with New South Wales playing their biggest Origin match in history.
NSW must win this match at Suncorp Stadium to avoid a fifth straight series win by the Maroons.
Hayne Vs Slater and Folau Vs NSWRL are just two of the mouth-watering battles that will take place in front of 52,000 Queenslanders.
The on-going Folau saga is a win for rugby league, yes of course it’s a loss for the game, and win for the AFL, but it could just about give State of Origin another win in the ratings next week. It could surpass the record of 3.6 million people nationally who watched game one, and in a time where TV rights are the be all and end all of sports, David Gallop for once has something to smile about.
I await the articles from non rugby league people over the next few days slamming the game, officials, past and current players. I, for one, am excited about the match-up of Billy ‘the kid’ Slater and Jarryd ‘love tap’ Hayne.
Yes, violence in sport is not what we want to see, but come Origin, everyone wants to see fireworks, and fireworks are most definitely on the table.
Queensland are still smarting from their loss of Origin three last year, not to mention losing the brawl. They won’t be taking a back step in the event Weyman, Gallen or O’Donnell want to start something.
If you don’t like it, don’t watch it, but I think we all know if you tune into the match, you won’t be disappointed.
Ian
Guest
The nation could come to standstill if Channel Nine could be bothered to show the game at a reasonable time into Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. They should be forced to on-sell live rights to subscription TV instead of hoarding the game as they do. Five years ago, Channel Nine' programming department would not show the game into Victoria because they claimed it wouldn't rate. They have been proved wrong since and they are wrong now. http://www.theage.com.au/news/League/Rating-state-of-origin/2005/06/14/1118645812304.html
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Time to make some money folks. Queensland are short priced favourites, so you should be getting way above the odds if you get in early and capitalise before the markets even out. Remember that NSW lost the first Origin game by 4 points - the difference being a try by a strip from the not-so-secure Kurt Gidley. Hopefully Kurt will be given little game time, ensuring that NSW romp it home by a dozen or so points. The selectors have almost got the team right this time around - and you will see the NSW pack dominating for a change. This should be a stand-out bet for those in the know, regardless of the fact that NSW are playing in Brisbane.
Akazie
Roar Rookie
Bring back the biff.
Dan Wighton
Roar Guru
Cant wait - the additions of Hindmarsh and ODonnell are long overdue, and lets hope Hayne can show everyone what we know he is capable of. Counting the days....
JimC
Guest
Yeh, it's going to be good. On live all over Asia (Australia Network) and slots in nicely ahead of Spain vs Switzerland (which may not be quite such an emotional encounter).
berra boy
Guest
I think you meant Billy "the knees" Slater and you forgot Jonathon "The Mouth" Thurston v Mitchell "My dad's bigger than yours" Pearce ;)
Gob Bluth
Guest
And you were the first to post here, nice one Rod.
bazza
Guest
The selected NSW team does not feel me with confidence - but I shall be watching. Hopefully Hayne gets under Slater's skin again
M1tch
Roar Guru
agree Chris, we are in dire straights ;)
Michael B
Guest
Sounds like Rod took his bitter pills this morning
Springs
Guest
Have not been this excited for an Origin match since around 05-06. Can't wait.
Chris
Guest
Yeah, record crowds and ratings for two consecutive seasons. It's only a matter of time before RL is dead.
Billo Boy
Guest
You'll be watching. In the dark, under the blanket, but we all know you'll be watching! Enjoy! It's no sin!
TammyS
Guest
I am really excited about this game. I reckon its a much better blues team and I wouldnt be surprised if they won
oikee
Guest
I have been to many origin at suncorp, and the old lang park. I can honestly say that it is a experience you will never forget,. This is what you would call a pure crowd experience. Every noise and feeling comes from the game itself, which is hard to explain, you get caught up in this wonderful atmoshere that has been finely tuned by supporters over the last 30 years. If your a fan of drama, poetry and good old fashioned rivalry, nothing comes close to this event. Yes even the fireworks add to the occausion.
Rod Hatch
Guest
Not even the promise of violence can save this sad sport.