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.
Nathan Beuman
Roar Guru
First senior game? Would never work. So thats means Inglis, Slater, Cronk and Smith would never have played Origin? That would never work. That would mean anyone who plays for Canberra, New Zealand or Melbourne aren't allowed to play Origin? Should be where you are born. Obviously if you are born in New South Wales and then move when your 6 months old to Queensland, well thats different. Whats ridiculous is seeing someone play for the junior Kiwi's then come across and play for Queensland.
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
Yep it's like that. For what its worth it's interesting but there is something to be said for conceding to an actual RL fans views, irrespective of how right he feels he is, which unfortunately his ego will not allow. It's otherwise just intellectual trolling and toying. The language and choice of tone setting words are used to discredit RL and undermine it's significance and marginalise it's impact and relevance on your pshyce. Don't be fooled by the guy. Same with btn why is this the perfect time to bring it up Let me lead it. Support NSW, you have every reason to not allow the popularity of qld fans around you sway what I think deep down you want to belong to in sport. The place of your origination
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
I guess the answer is Von,because he can.Just don't try something similar in the opposition's threads.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
It was a decent article but it was the first response to which I referred, and not disputing the thoughts of the thread originator,for one minute.And she of course described her lack of passion.She at no stage brought up ,teams being at a disadvantage.The two teams you mentioned are not the only ones affected,as I have previously alluded to.. The SOO rivalries as you have already stated are drummed up by the media,and knowing how the media operate,colonial rivalries would be the last thing on their minds.Selling papers for one in a diminishing print market,is the top priority.. I am not that naive to accept the fact that @there are people who are not passsionate about the sreies B) nor even care about it.
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
well i think when in doubt support the underdog, NSW, whom i am secrectly supporting (pssst: go you good things) I cant lose tonight
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
why are we letting 'australian rules' continually try to dictate the nature of discussions. the guy has such a negative feedback loop going on, its not even funny
Australian Rules
Guest
Fair enough. The intention was to post an opinion, not dump on it. I'll zip it.
Australian Rules
Guest
The article was written by btn, who said she didn't feel the passion for her State. My comment in response basically said: (1) here's a brief snapshot of colonial rivalries in Australia...and (2) it seems to be stronger in Qld than anywhere else.
mushi
Roar Guru
Same can be said for any sporting involving "your team"
mushi
Roar Guru
Why is it such a grand step in our civil evolution to replace your state with a professional club?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Don't blame God for your misunderstandings. 1) 1850 has nothing to do with today,historical context or not.We are a multi cultural society ,who probably couldnt care less.Grasping at straws.Next we will use the Eureka stockade as an excuse. 2) Does not alter the accepted fact by many,Vlad & Co are arrogant,in fact Olympic class.Success can do that,and one does not need to be a psychoanalyst to understand that.The old ARL and at times NRL was arrogant when it suited.Although Gallop was more of an introvert. The state of Vic had a SOO ,some want it back,as they see the success of the rl one.Ask them.And I understand the Croweaters don't like the vics,and ditto the Sandgropers.Suggest there is decent underlying passion there. 3) It shows that the deep enduring passion is for their club,which is not translated for passionate followers of the SOO.I have never heard of a NSW supporter doing likewise and indeed one who watches SOO as his/her priority.Keep trying. Perhaps you should read posts,as you were quite happy to bring in the effect it has on clubs.You brought in the loss to win ration for the Storm and Broncs.In typical fashion lost sight of the thread and you deflect it to me.My team has lost half the forward pack to Origin(the clubs 3/4 best players). The first response on this thread was from an AFL inclined fan.,with the usual guff about his non interest..Ok we get it.We come to expect it and get away with it as it it done discretely.
solly
Guest
State of Origin is a great spectacle, no doubt about it. But please, a disgrace if you don't actually care about it? Geez...
Cameron
Roar Guru
What a nasty reader... 5 minutes... Dr. can we please get this man or women a tissue? Actually, scrap that,, bring the whole box!!
Cameron
Roar Guru
You're a football supporter first right? League follower next? Titus, it's ok you don't understand :P
Cameron
Roar Guru
Australian Rules, Just like your sport... You just don't understand... So shush! :P
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
what a waste of 5 mins of reading
AdamS
Roar Guru
That's just silly. What happens to a kid who spends 4 years in NSW, 4 in QLD and moves to Victoria before coming back to QLD to play for a club. You are over complicating it it a search for simplicity. 1st senior game. Simple. You forgot to mention you would have lost Stirlo...
Australian Rules
Guest
2) but the State of Victoria..? Meh...they're far LESS vocal about that.
Australian Rules
Guest
Oh god CC, 1) The "wealth and perceived arrogance" comment was made (as it clearly says) within a historical colonial context. 2) The Victorians I know, including Vlad, will bore you to death about how Australian Football is the best sport around. But the State of Victoria..? Meh...they're about vocal about that. 3) Similarly, if someone drapes their coffin in club colors, it means they love their...wait for it...club. Not state. The discussion is about State passion, not whether Origin is good for the game. You and oikee can breathe easy.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
I think it's cause that young woman has been taught well to make sure the men watching the match are well fed and have enough drinks. No time for her to be watching the game at all.