Sorry conservatives but the Queensland derby has surpassed the interstate showdown for guaranteed satisfaction. In fairness, so have the Pacific Tests and the Charity Shield. Nevertheless, it is still quite the feather.
Watching these two Queensland juggernauts go at it in comparison to the imbalanced contest of State of Origin is like sitting on a leather lounge after a few hours bare-bum on an anthill.
The crucial difference between the Queensland derby and Origin is both participants actually have a chance of victory.
More Origin:
» 2016 State of Origin
» State of Origin fixtures
» State of Origin teams
» NSW Blues team for Origin 1
» My QLD Maroons team for Origin 1
When this peculiar element of uncertainty is added to the most organic league you’ll ever have the pleasure of whiffing, unencumbered by coaching and played at a hellish rapidity, there’s no doubt it is the new king of event footy.
Scientists are still trying to determine what gives the product its magic, but many believe it’s due to reduced dilution resulting from a low count of footballers from New South Wales.
If Queensland decided to become an independent banana federation – a move I’ve heard Maroon fundamentalists seriously discuss – there’s already a ready-made civil war for which they can spruik tickets at disgracefully inflated prices.
Yes, the sky is the limit for this fixture. In fact, it shouldn’t be too long until it is bastardised commercially and made to kick off at 8:55pm with Gus eulogising from 8pm. It truly has earned such regal treatment.
Then from here, it’s only a matter of time before it snuggles safely into the ‘pinnacle of the game’ debate.
For those unaware, the ‘pinnacle of the game’ platitude is one trotted out by footballers before every representative fixture. To learn further of this fluid phenomenon, please have your note pads at the ready.
It works like this: when quizzed on the fuzzy sensation of being selected in a rep side, said footballer lauds said fixture as ‘the pinnacle’, citing the game’s standard, prestige and popularity, when really they are gushing over its plump paycheque.
Origin, Test footy, 18th man for City, it’s all the zenith of the game when a footballer is intoxicated by a fresh jersey and a lump sum.
Soon, playing on the big stage when the Cowboys and Broncos collide will be considered the game’s Everest. Semi Radradra will cite contractual loopholes to turn out in Bronco maroon, while Townsville will annex Kempsey.
If I had to make a composed assessment based on their small sample size of recent ball-tearing matches, I’m 1000 per cent certain the Queensland derby is set to become the arena in which ‘every kid dreams of playing’.
Am I concerned? Of course I am, because it further strengthens the argument that rugby league only reaches its full potential when played by Queenslanders. But at least we get to see them turn on each other.
Bring on tonight, and another chapter in rugby league’s greatest contest.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
There's nothing contrived or manufactured about what the Cowbies / Bronc's have. We used to get the first round against one another and for a lot of the Broncos boys it was a good chance to see family and friends when they went back home. I think that's why Paul Green struggled to explain exactly what we have here. It's not a rivalry in the sense you hate your opponent so much, you want to kill their dog, but you really will consider it if it means you will beat those upstart bastards from down south. I personally think that the Souths v Dragons sides from the 60s & 70's should have a special mention, they were today's Cowbies and Bronc's.
Marvel
Guest
The Broncos /Nth Qld rivalry is based on a lie. In the GF Cummins and Sutton dished up the majority of decisions to keep the game close. Like Cummins allowed a fightback from the Cowboys the other night. I haven't checked the first Cwbys/Broncs game under Sutton but I am betting another close manufactured game. This is WWE stuff...
Brian George
Guest
And deservedly so given the dross NSW serve up.
Jackso
Guest
Who can forget Toni Carroll who played for Qld then NZ then Qld - raffertys rules or that ACT players (eg Dugan, O'Connor) play for NSW and is the only code (especially since it labels itself State of Origin) that the two "provinces" are combined with no recognition of the ACT...
Jackso
Guest
So Sutton and Cummins for Origin refs...
Josh
Guest
that's right. Probably because they are not. Good point
Josh
Guest
It would be nice to just enjoy two teams put up 3 of the greatest games in recent history but some want attention on TPAs. So I would like to put it out there. Can somebody provide what the TPAs are for the Broncos - as in who gets them and what they are. Seems like some here have some inside information that I am not privy too. If you cannot provide that ......then enjoy two teams playing great football. Don't worry, it is not a case of Us against Them for me, as I believe the Sharks are also playing great footy right now.
Tiger
Guest
What a total load of crap.
Josh
Guest
Jealous diatribe
Josh
Guest
BS
Josh
Guest
So based on that jealous dribble QLD teams would win every year. Which they don't
steveng
Roar Rookie
Yeah the Bowraville, Macksville and Kempsey boys do tend to swap sides sometime times, when it suits them. But those areas have produced allot of great players both now and in the past. I've got a few mates who came from there and they were all great footballers and a few (in the mid to late 70's) even played for the Kangaroos, I won't mention any names.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Yeah, the Cows vs Broncos are how the Blues wish to be over the Qld maroons in the SOO lol
steveng
Roar Rookie
You mustn't of seen the contests between the Saints and the Rabbits in the 60's and they always came close to this contest, I can vouch for that because I've seen them and was always in the crowd on the 'Hill' at he SCG!!!
Wow
Guest
The Broncos team is complete with top line talent but half the Cowboys players would not be nearly as good at another team. It's laughable that a side with the centres and wingers of the Cowboys can be accused of rorting.
Griffo
Guest
It's funny but if you look at a few of the New South Welshmen in those sides, Tamou, Coote, Roberts, you see that those guys are actually very good and could all get picked for NSW this year
Mongo
Guest
Another "Cummins come from behind with a wet sail" win. For a Qld one point thriller just add Sutton and Cummins eg Cowboys nearly score yet Broncs mysteriously penalized for offside and of course Cows score and convert to bring to 18-18 after the Broncs get a lot of help in the first half with mysterious hold down penalties which are never applied in rest of game.
fiddlesticks
Guest
cocky? you do realise your golden generation is ending this year. i could score those tries on the end of the broncos backline
Neil Bird
Guest
One of the big problems with ,so called, state of origin matches is that players who are born in NSW and or started playing in that state choose to play for Qld. As traitors. One, who I will not name was born in the same town as me, Bowraville NSW. Another again who I will not name stated playing in Macksville NSW. I used to follow the team they play for, now I do not even follow the sport. For that reason and that scums are not executed correctly. As I learned at high school and is done correctly in Rugby.
Pedro the Maroon
Guest
All Blues supporters praying for injuries to Thurston, Morgan, Thaiday, Boyd, Oates, etc. Oates will become a rampaging lock, second rower in the mould of SBW within 2 years. Just sayin'