Origin is the best sporting event in the universe for a number of reasons: the rivalry, the fanatical supporters, the atmosphere at the grounds, Phil Gould.
Just joking about Phil Gould, he is the pickle in the Origin Big Mac that no one wants there but the powers-that-be keep putting in.
Arguably the most tantalising elements are the many one-on-one match-ups on display.
Just consider Stuart versus Langer, Elias versus Walters, Geyer versus Lewis, Tallis versus anyone, Sailor versus MacDougall – the list is endless.
And the best thing about these one-on-one match-ups is that they quite regularly escalate into punch-ons!
Look, I am not advocating violence. Nor do I like seeing skill overshadowed by thuggery. But there is something compelling about a good Origin biff.
Josh Papalii’s inclusion in the extended Queensland squad for Wednesday’s first State of Origin match is filling me with excitement. Firstly, because he will be an awesome Origin player whenever he does get the call-up, be it this week, later in the series or next year.
In my mind, he is a sure thing. If you are not a Papalii fan yet, look up his hit on Jamie Buhrer last week and watch the young Raiders enforcer smash Buhrer so hard it alters the Manly utility’s chemical composition.
But as well as the awesomeness Papalii will bring to Origin, if he debuted on Wednesday it would put him opposite NSW hardman Paul Gallen, who is still smarting from the touch-up Papa gave him in last year’s NRL semi-final.
Last week, Papalii’s cousin, world-ranked heavyweight boxer, Alex Leapai, went on record to say that the pair still trains together and that Papalii can throw punches as well as anyone. Similarly, Gallen made mincemeat of Kiwi Hika Elliot in his exhibition boxing match during the off-season – not that we needed proof of his credentials. Pitting the two against each other on Origin night is just mouth-watering stuff.
But Papalli versus Gallen isn’t the only match-up that would cause fireworks. How about Brent Tate versus Jump-punch Jennings? Or Greg Bird versus Nate Myles? Or Justin Hodges versus Anthony Watmough? We know regardless of which two kick it off, Sam Thaiday will be the third man in. Then Mitchell Pearce (at a safe distance.)
We’re not supposed to talk about the biffo as though it’s part of what attracts us to Origin, but there is almost certainly going to be fisticuffs at some stage in Game 1, so the question is: who do you think will be in it?
Brad H
Guest
one word , Cattledog ! :-)
Wilson Flatley
Roar Rookie
hahaha he is quite small, my mate showed me this video the other day which i found very humorous http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npoR2M4M2Vs
Lancey5times
Guest
'Pickle in the Origin Big Mac'. Love it. Of all the terms I've heard for Gus this is definately the most accurate
Haz
Guest
Ah, I had to go hunting for that again. Nice one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyGIPcGH0iY
Haz
Guest
Yeah, Tate's always good for some biff in Origin. He loves being the third man in.
Mac
Guest
Yea except it wasn't a bear hug, the "dog licker" had Taylor by the wrist and O'Donnell head butted him too just before he threw the uppercut if I remember correctly ;) Was kinda like when GI held onto Beau Scotts jumper because he didn't like being tackled and then started throwing punches when Beau tried to get him to let go. Of course Tony Archer gave the penalty to QLD. Thank god QLD won't have him on there team again tomorrow night but I'm definitely expected to see some biff...
Tom Gibson
Guest
I watched that just the other day while psyching myself up with previous years' highlights. O'Donell had well and truly lost all control by that stage of proceedings. However, Tate's fist on Bird while he was lying prone under TWO Queenslanders was as bad, if not worse. Tate upped his niggle to new levels last year.
Freddy of Bondi
Guest
Te'o wouldn't dare throw them at men...
Jason
Guest
Remember when Luke O'Donnell uppercutted Dave Taylor while Joel "Dog Licker" Monaghan had him in a bear hug.
Mac
Guest
Maybe Brent Tate can punch someone one in the eye again while a team mate holds him down, or Thaiday can run in and throw a few whilst someones back is turned??? Not like it would be the fist time....
Numbers Man
Guest
I think as the game has grown more and more professional and penalties given for fighting and a bit of argy bargy the biff is becoming a thing of the past. Just quitely ( I dont say this around work or the mates) I wouldnt mind if NSW got up an had a win in the series its becoming a bit old hat beating NSW. I would be good for the game for them to get the odd series win
The Head
Guest
Myles the grub will be in there using his melon as a battering ram to take out Farrah so Pearce' average kicking game will be exposed again.
Robz
Guest
I wouldn't be surprised if T'eo takes the frustration and stress of the past couple of weeks out on a few Blues
seven dollers worth
Guest
Only one day to go and its all calm and nice. No aggression or hate campaigns. Amazing really. Maybe Origin is losing its appeal, gone to soft perhaps?
Sideline Commentator
Guest
haha, call of the day.
Sideline Commentator
Guest
Haha, I hope for our sake Maloney goes for a drink when the first are thrown. Got to be the smallest on field, it'll be Joey and Goddard all over again.
Tom Gibson
Guest
I think every NSW fan would consider that a win. Also, I would never fight anyone with a moustache as dirty as Bird's.
Zaccaaa
Guest
Bird and Cronk to go toe to toe both will get sent off
nopuritan
Guest
my prediction....no fights in origin one. there is too much at stake for NSW and QLD have enough skill to win it without the biff
Wilson Flatley
Guest
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