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I really need to get something off my chest. It’s been bothering me for years and I feel like now is the right time to let it out.
I was born in New South Wales, grew up in Queensland but I just don’t care who wins State of Origin.
It’s not because I hate rugby league (I don’t), it’s not because I have an aversion to sport (I definitely don’t), but I have never been able to scrounge up the same sort of patriotic fanaticism that so many other Queenslanders and New South Welshman have for the series.
Before you start trying to convince me one way or the other, let me tell you I’ve tried.
I want to be a rabid north of the border “QUEENSLANDEEEEER” or a slightly more aloof, and increasingly rare, NSW fan, but I just can’t muster up the passion.
I mean even our media are unashamedly maroon-hued in reporting of the series, such is the division State of Origin brings to the two north-eastern states.
I’ve watched all the great games of my time – Tallis vs Harrigan, Cronk’s magical field goal, where his sinews became whole, and I can appreciate the spectacle of each match, but I always feel a bit apathetic when others throw around state-based trash talk.
If Queensland take a record eighth-straight series, that would be pretty exciting, as would a drought-breaking NSW victory, but I will not be losing any sleep over the eventual result.
And then there’s the inevitable question of who do you support? And my mind just draws a blank.
I’ve been caught in a limbo all my life – born in Sydney, raised in Brisbane I naturally leaned towards Queensland until my mother tried to explain the eligibility rules of the Origin (I pledge my allegiance to New Zealand, by the way) and then the waters muddied.
I wish I could care more, bleed maroon or blue, and each year I try valiantly to pick a side, but to no avail.
So, I’ll be watching on Wednesday night – but I really don’t care who holds up the trophy in six weeks’ time.
Let’s just hope rugby league is the winner.
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