For all you less informed rugby-league followers, let me just clear something up for you.
Contrary to popular belief, the reason Queensland have won six State of Origin series in a row is simply because their current crop of players make up arguably the greatest representative side the game has ever seen.
End of story.
It has nothing to do with the famous (and imaginary) ‘Queensland spirit’, nor is it the result of a superior pride or passion for their state.
They are just better footballers.
The notion that Queensland cares more about Origin is offensive to all New South Welshman, and I for one am sick of hearing it.
I challenge anyone to go and find a player or fan of rugby league in New South Wales that says “I don’t care who wins State of Origin”. It is a ridiculous sentiment and one that has been too readily accepted as fact for far too long.
What people seem eager to forget is that prior to 2006 (before the current Queensland side came together) New South Wales and Queensland were locked at 12 series victories apiece, and 2005 saw New South Wales complete their own three-year domination of State of Origin.
At that time it was New South Wales that produced the better footballer, namely a bloke called Andrew ‘Joey’ Johns.
If you’re after some proof that Queensland’s super-human spirit is a myth, look no further than Game III of the 2000 series.
Legendary Queensland back-rower Gorden Tallis, a player who is supposed to epitomise everything that it is to be a Queenslander, cared about representing his state so much that he called for the game to be scrapped altogether, having already lost the series in Game II.
NSW put 56 points past Queensland that evening, which is a record flogging. I wonder where the Queensland spirit was on that occasion.
How about Game III of the 2005 series; everything was on the line, it was one game apiece going into the final match-up at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane and Queensland were hot favourites.
It was the perfect stage for that Queensland mentality to come to the fore.
Well, New South Wales won 32 – 10 in front of over 52,000 screaming Queenslanders, having led 32-nil with five minutes to play. You wouldn’t say there was much spirit in that effort, would you?
NSW will go in to this 2012 series with every chance of winning. They will be well prepared by coach Ricky Stuart and it seems increasingly likely that the talented Todd Carney will make his long-overdue debut in a sky-blue jumper, perhaps providing that spark that New South Wales have been missing.
The more likely scenario, however, is that Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and now Cooper Cronk, will guide their Maroons outfit to a seventh-successive series victory.
NSW can pick the biggest, ugliest, toughest group of players they can muster, and come up with the greatest game plan rugby league has ever seen or heard about.
But there is no substitute for class, and Queensland has got it in spades.
faz
Guest
Mate, all these players were made in the origin field. All these so called star players became superstars BECAUSE of origin. Thats the difference between NSW and QLD. We choose ORIGIN players. You choose good players. There is no such thing as Queensland spirit both teams have the passion to win as much as each other. Its just that when it comes down to that final play the Queenslanders will be there without a question asked. Growing up as a Queenslander you don't want to play NRL... you want to play State of Origin.
jayden
Guest
3 Reasons Why Qld are dominating 1 NSW keep chopping and changing there line ups.2 QLD Has the best spine of all time and the biggest won 3 Continually Picking a player that is not even eligible for there state!actually thats the main reason why qld have won 6 in a row
nesian_rasta
Guest
Although being a long-time QLD supporter, the Blues have the same passion for the pride of their state.....However, the maroons seem to be more passionate due to their success in state of origin. The blues need to maintain a consistent team. Once Ricky Stuart finds a team that he thinks stick together and create opportunities to win, he should stick to that team. The maroons are successful because they have continued to use the same line of players. By doing so, the maroons know each others game play and they know what each others style is, so they use those styles to combine amazing plays, therefore resulting in their 6 years of success. Whereas, because the blues keep changing there line ups, they have to become accustomed to different styles of play. The blues need a stable line up and keep that line up for good. The blues are just as passionate of origin as the marrons...
silky
Roar Rookie
Cheers everyone for reading the article... it was my first go! All that stuff about QLD being clever in their selection and NSW picking players out of position..... when you've lost 6 in a row, you cant just leave the side as-is and hope that it will click one day.... The talent of the QLD side allows them to be consistent... NSW have to try things... If it were up to me, I'd pick Buderus, Pearce, Carney, Minichello...... Buderus & Minichello played together for state and country before the likes of Slater and Smith were around, and they always performed well, add Carney & Pearce and the old Roosters combination is there also... so there would be combinations all throughout the spine of the team... I don't expect that will happen, though.. Thanks again!
Fivehole
Guest
Queensland definitely has more passion than NSW. Queensland has an inferiority complex and they refer to themselves as Queenslanders first and Australians second. This is not the case for New South Welshmen. I'm Australian first and foremost. Don't believe me? Read the courier mail. They always refer to "Queenslands ..XXXXXXX..." eg "Queenslands Kevin Rudd", "Queenslands Darren Lockyer" etc.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
steve YES, beyond any doubt, see my story below.
Tom of Brisbane
Guest
Who was it said "The greatest evil the devil ever performed was convincing people he didn't exist"? Well, the greatest evil Qld ever performed (on NSW) was convincing them the Qld spirit doesn't exist.
LM
Guest
He's played in 2010 definitely, they put him there to create hype after the whole Slater headbutt debarkle. I'm not a Hayne fan myself but I do think that had he played NSW fullback for the last couple of years we would have seen some consistency in his game, not only at reps level but club also (confidence wise) and wouldn't have to have this scramble to decide on a fullback now.
Behold
Roar Rookie
Thurston is probably a more skilful footballer than Lockyer but Lockyer got things done, made things happen dived on every lose ball and was the ultimate competitor. Cronk is a better defender in the line than Lockyer, too but if QLD is down with a few minutes to go, I would rather have Lockyer to Thurston.
Boydy
Guest
In 2006 before Game 2, Mal Meninga claimed that if Queensland lost an unprecedented 4th series in a row that Origin would be dead, as he couldn't see Queenslander being interested. NSW last year lost their 7th in a row with record Sydney ratings and sell out crowd. Queensland are bandwagoners (see Brisban Lions crowds, and the plummet when the Roar, Reds or Broncos start losing on a regular basis), and if they lost 7 in a row the concept would have been shelved.
Bob
Guest
QLD have always had more passion and pride in the the jersey than nsw have or ever will.
Renegade
Guest
"Hayne excelled at fullback in previous Origins and then he is told he is not a fullback, huh?" I don't think Hayne has ever played Origin at Fullback....but i'd pick him.
Renegade
Guest
No I don't for one minute believe Queensland are stronger now....not without Lockyer.
Renegade
Guest
"Is Billy slater better than the Hayne train and the former face of the NRL Brett stewart, a big call." That's not a serious question that your posing is it We're talking about the greatest fullback the game has seen and your asking if their are better fullbacks than him....have you not seen who the australian fullback has been for the last 5 years?? There's no doubt Queensland have more skill and class at the moment....it's got nothing to do with Passion.
Dan
Guest
Ofcourse Queensland pick club combinations, who wouldn't pick cronk smith slater? We don't have the luxury of an australian side in different jerseys unfortunately -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Charles
Guest
The difference between the two Origin teams is the following; QLD select their team wisely, making every position strong. They utilise combinations from club football as much as possible. They are not concerned about age, sticking by their more experienced players, while blending in their potential players in patiently. NSW are in a constant panic mode, selecting their teams without thinking it through. They discard their experienced players replacing them with youth and players with potential long before they have proven themselves week and week out. Thus there is no stability with the dynamics of the team continually changing. It is only now that we are starting to have a core group but then we keep changing them from their normal positions. They also get carried away with particular players, over rating them without viewing them critically! Putting in Dugan and sacking Hayne in the first game last year was one of the worst decisions I have ever seen. Dugan is an exciting future prospect but he keeps getting injured and his defence is poor, and he demonstrated that. Hayne excelled at fullback in previous Origins and then he is told he is not a fullback, huh? Also for example, in the Country game Pearce and Farrar had a good 1st half, yet no one questions why. Have a look at the defence from Country in the 1st half and it will explain why they were allowed to roam at will.
Dan
Guest
As a very passionate blues fan I can tell you I care alot! Go the blues! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Andy
Guest
I absolutely believe you because you back up your intelligent response with stats lol.
steve b
Roar Guru
Scott do you really think that Thurston is a better choice than locky . wow !
Blazza
Guest
Really that's the only difference between Slater and Stewart ? are you kidding me ? Stewart's become one of those players that all's he is good for is catching the last pass or landing on a ball in the in goal to score. He has become extremely lazy on defense his position play is almost as bad as Hayne, his kick returns seem to be ill just pick it up and get tackled. Atm it really seems like he doesn't care. Slater has it over Stewart in ever category.