Until last year, rugby league and the hype of State of Origin existed on the periphery of my sporting radar.
Why? I was raised in Adelaide, which means growing up just about as disconnected from the affixes of rugby as is possible in an Australian capital city. You need look no further than the pointless Saturday morning slot (1:30 to 5:30am) that Nine’s Friday night NRL doubleheader populates to understand the ease at which it can be ignored.
But with a move east to the heart of Blues territory, it quickly became impossible to maintain a fleeting interest, particularly in State of Origin. I lived in Sydney now, a city that turns Blue for weeks every year without fail.
Unexpectedly, I was genuinely captured by the hype. In Adelaide, Origin provides some mid-week watching several times a year, but little else. In Sydney, the energy is real and the contest transcends one’s usual love, half-assed backing, or complete lack of interest in rugby league.
As the hype built, it didn’t take long to be captured by the romance, or for the jealousy to set in, as it seems to do for so many AFL fans each year, spurring a desire to see State of Origin return to the AFL.
It’s brilliant for rugby league. It used to be brilliant for Aussie rules. It could be brilliant again… Right?
Since word of player support for an AFL State of Origin revival emerged from the AFL Players Association, there’s been excitement for the concept’s revival, ideas for complex systems involving every state that span season upon season, as well as wholehearted rejection for the idea.
For the advocates, one simple (yet vital) element appears to always rear its difficult head: inclusion.
Rekindling an old system would see Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia up against ‘The Allies’ (the rest). The former three are clear essentials, the latter unfortunately incites little pride and would be a self-inflicted wound should they attempt to revive it.
That leaves three. So the options are: 1) choosing to include every state and territory individually (with the ACT absorbed by NSW); or 2) excluding all but the traditional Aussie rules states.
For a competition so invested in growth in non-traditional markets, the notion of ever taking the exclusion path is mad. Unfortunately the only other option is a system thats nearest comparison would be the Cricket World Cup member nations more often than not facing up against associate sides. Not a recipe for guaranteed entertainment.
While contemplating the need to include, it becomes clear that the true end goal is essentially a balanced national competition. Yes, just like that thing that is already pretty well established.
It is actually blindingly obvious that a move to revive a State of Origin system would be a backward step in promoting any game to a nation as a whole.
Fans want to be included and support a competitive team, not be alienated by birth.
The State of Origin rivalry, as it exists in rugby league, is one of the greatest spectacles that fans of a contest will ever get to witness, but it’s not something the AFL, or its fans, should desire to recreate.
As long as State of Origin thrives, NSW and Queensland will stand as symbols of supremacy, and the excluded will be difficult to truly capture.
As an outsider now living on the inside, my only gripe against the games is that I’ll never feel truly part of them. It’s the pinnacle of a sport, and I’ll never have a team. It’s a championship game I have no hope of ever attending with genuine emotion in tow.
At its heart, State of Origin is a fantastic celebration of a sport – it pits the best players in front of the most passionate fans. But at the same time, it’s like throwing your best party and only inviting half your mates – three times every year!
Scheduling, injuries, and securing star power are all touted as hurdles to an AFL State of Origin revival.
The real hurdle would be restoring old barriers that stifle inclusion.
Kavvy
Guest
*robinson crusoe, the storm players make Most Vic's go for QLD and just the general anti-Sydney/NSW vibe down here gets the rest over the line. My old man indoctrinated me when I was a kid to follow the blues (Benny Elias era), I don't even like many of their players these days but I still root for them (while I love lots of the maroons; thurston, Inglis, slater etc)
Kavvy
Guest
Im a Vic who follows the blues and I'm r
Kavvy
Guest
I'm a huge AFL Fan but I'd have zero interest in that match. Vic v WA/SA, Vic v The Rest, for sure but "all star" American style, I'd go watch a local match that weekend or the storm/rebels
Alex L
Roar Rookie
If a "traditional" (read: NSWRL hangover) club can't survive, let it die. If the biggest market in the country isn't able to support the club, the club doesn't need to exist.
Marco
Guest
WA expansion maybe on the cards but this year the NRL is only having one exhibition game in Perth. Now that's a bit odd don't you think?
marco
Guest
Nope just commenting. Would you put your hard earned money into a hard sell market like WA or into a easier sell market like QLD? Plus too many traditional clubs need more assistance.
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
Hey Marco, according to a few WA posters on other league forums, the promotion of NRL by GEM/ch. 9 is rather low key. According to those based in Melbourne GEM has been promoting its league coverage thus rating for non Storm games have been around the 80,000 viewers for the Thurs/Fri games. Funny how other sport followers attack NRL ratings yet a Wanderers game last week got only 29k on Foxsports & union's pinnacle only got 109k. Are you on those threads Marco commenting on low tv ratings? Or are you just trolling?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Not having a team to call your own plays a decent part Marco.SOO ratings show there is interest. The Gem ratings for NRL in Melbourne so far have grown and are encouraging,even for non Storm games. Gee one has only to look at poor Tv ratings for the AFL in the Northern states,yet it did not stop that code from expansion to non heartland areas.All heavily promoted and have been for some time. Having a Perth Pirates side in the NRL.may well encourage TV ratings on Gem as there would be those who would be drawing comparisons about their side and others within the NRL. New junior clubs being formed there this year,more juniors than the numbers prevailing during the Red's days,sponsorship backing and company/Govt backing.NRL games there continue to draw decent crowds. I'll put my money on Perth,should as expected the NRL go ahead with expansion.
Carl
Roar Rookie
Adelaide is a great place to live but its definitely not the city for hardcore league fans. Sadly its a continuous cycle, the TV people claim there is no interest in the sport here so they don't show it which leads to a lack of interest.... Also doesn't help that the few times a club has tried to establish Adelaide as a "second home" they've given up very quickly despite crowds that (though not setting the world on fire) were at least comparable with the average crowd we see in Sydney these days
Carl
Roar Rookie
I keep telling people that the state leagues still play an inter league "Origin" style game every year and its great. You get to watch a fun game against one of the old enemies (and a new one in the NEAFL) and support your local league at the same time, and boy could they use your support these days. It may not be the biggest draw card with a lack of top shelf AFL talent but local footy still matters and supporting these games is a great way to let those in charge know that even if you aren't making it down your local club every week.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
"You will like internationals more than Origin."
Muzz
Guest
Lol, The thing is though, mate that i also respect that you and others love international match ups and i understand why. Each to their own i guess.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I was going nuts over how close Ryan Hall got to scoring in the Melbourne Four Nations match against Australia. My mind exploded when Shaun Johnson sliced through Kevin Sinfield's tackle to send New Zealand into the World Cup final. When Coyne scored that miracle try, I was supporting Queensland. When Hodkinson scored the winning the try last year for NSW, I was supporting NSW. The greatest game of league I have seen was the semi-final between England and New Zealand. That was followed by the Four Nations match between those two same sides. The desperation to be part of the new brigade and topple the Australians gave those matches so much more meaning for me and for the code itself than any Origin match. NSW finally beating Queensland is great for domestic rugby league. No doubt about it. But I don't think it does anything for the code itself.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I'm going to have to use a Jedi mind trick on you Muzz...
Muzz
Guest
I don't feel the rivalry between us and England .- Zilch, zero, zip, nada Rivalry metre Internationals 0/10 (I also really really like Kiwis) NSW vs QLD 10/10 I find most internationals entertaining but not gut wrenching,spill your beer, lose control entertaining like watching my club team and NSW.
Bondy
Guest
I agree with that, representing NSW is not more important than representing Australia, imagine a Socceroo saying I'd prefer to play for Victoria rather than Australia ...
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
International league is the pinnacle. And that pinnacle has more potential for growth and improvement than Origin. Honestly, I don't understand why anyone would permanently support Origin over Tests? Is it because the standard is currently higher? Standards change. Is it because there is more money for the players? Test representation earns more. Is it because there is more rivalry? England and Australia have never had a rivalry? Whatever argument there exists in favour of Origin has been and can still be applied to Test football.
Muzz
Guest
I love SOO,however it's a double edge sword for me as my club team and the NRL is number 1, SOO is number 2 with internationals at 3. If i was given the option to scrap SOO, i would vote to keep it and continue to run the risk of players missing club games through selection and injuries which could then effect your clubs chances of winning the comp.It's just too entertaining! I read a number of comments last year that the price increase for SOO tickets diluted the atmosphere at Suncorp.I think it's a shame when the bolted on fans, that have supported the series for decades, can no longer afford to take their family. If SOO already is such a big cash cow for the NRL then a happy medium should be found in regards to ticket prices.
Adam
Guest
Interesting correlation between the two, AFL SOO died with the growth of the league. Whilst the NRL SOO improved in popularity as the league lessened in interest. It's the only sport in the world where the novelty hall of fame game is more important than the league. So yes, it is definitely the biggest strength and weekness at the same time.
Christian D'Aloia
Roar Guru
Where's the hatred and rivalry in that though?