The last decade as a New South Welshman has left me feeling nothing for Origin except violent dysentery.
Until this week, when Nathan Peats profoundly moved me.
Candidly speaking, this simple Tweet from four years ago is the greatest thing to happen to New South Wales Origin since the prohibition of horse-based bonding.
For the first time since Tommy Raudonikis drank piranhas and demanded unsolicited violence, these humble and heartfelt words send the Blues in to the series with the upper hand in the only category that matters: passion.
Greater than completion rates or points, passion is the only currency Origin is measured in. That’s why Queensland are on two record-breaking streaks: 10 wins in the last 11 series, and 35 years straight as the most passionate state, as voted by themselves.
They take their passion as seriously as their famous Mt Isa sugar cane. For proof, look no further than their winning three-point game plan.
1.Passion;
2.Passion;
3.Give the ball to JT – and do it passionately.
Now, Peats’ words have turned the worm in New South Wales’ favour even before a soliloquy has been uttered in anger.
By disproving the theories that this state does not have a pulse for Origin, the Blues are hitting the Queenslanders right where it hurts in their sensitive passion plums; simply by showing they care.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
The debutant rake’s Tweet drips with heart and reeks of desire, and best of all, craps all over this year’s predictable attempt by the Maroons of having Kevin Walters cry because he has too many fullbacks.
Who would’ve thought that when Peats sent this organic missive from the depths of Origin anonymity- at 6:15am after obviously rising early to commence a long day of caring deeply for his state – that he would be bringing down an empire only five years later?
In fact, the sheer desire and desperation of his mini-dispatch was so Maroon-like, it’s a wonder they didn’t implement protocol and re-zone state boundaries to include his whereabouts.
I can only suppose they didn’t have internet at the time.
From a man who would later be heartlessly deported from the state by Parramatta and made to live on the evil Glitter Strip of Australia’s North Korea, only to be returned to be informed you’re Peter Wallace’s understudy, these words mean everything.
They are the new Cattledog. Emblazon them across change room walls and introduce them to the state school curriculum.
If Laurie Daley can coach, he will melt Peats tweet down to microchips at a Phillip Street refinery and insert them in to the temples of every man in his set-up except Sterlo, who will take it in the thigh because he’s got nothing to cover the scarring.
Thank you, Peatsy, for gifting us an early lead in the series with some real Queensland-like desire for the jersey.
It’s great to feel something again that doesn’t require Imodium.
Jono
Guest
LOL, think Pearce, Jennings, Woods and Co could be convinced that they would be lucky to play one game for the Blues:)
Kobi
Guest
No Smith No Cronk No Milford No Boyd NSW NO CHANCE.
Chinmay Hejmadi
Roar Guru
It's most definitely the latter.
Chris Morrison
Guest
No Inglis No Scott No Thurston No chance!!! Go the Blues ??
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
QUEENSLAND
Albo
Guest
I wish Peats well on his dream debut ! He is as game as they come. But so was Eddie the Eagle ! He should thank his lucky stars that Wallace was hurt, Farah was at last out of favour, and that he was given the opportunity ahead of a couple of others with greater ability & durability in the 9 spot. Fingers crossed .
Bobthebuildermuth
Guest
A nice try to convince yourselves NSW have passion...True SOO Passion only comes from one place ... disappoint is the source so keep working on it as you have at least another twenty years to go... the years and years of pre SOO interstate games with NSW sides laced with Queenslanders is the real source of passion for all Queenslanders. Nice try boys but that will not cut the mustard for NSW ....
Laurie
Guest
Derrr my state is more passionate than your state.. It's Rugby League for god sake! It's the least passionate sport in existence
McTavish
Roar Rookie
Substitute 'Qld' for 'NSW' and so said anyone who has played RL at any level in Queensland since 1980!
Raugeee
Guest
Barnaby Joyce thinks we can eat coal :D
Gus Paella
Guest
More like 'give the ball to Cronk' Qld can't win without him.
Big Daddy
Guest
Saying is one thing. Doing is another ???
MrTickyM
Roar Rookie
He has a very low opinion of himself if 4 years ago he thought he couldn't make one of the worst sides in history. Then again, he may have assumed Robbie Farah was going to be picked until he was 40.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Didn't Teddy also say he wanted to be part of Blues domination for 10 years?
jameswm
Roar Guru
What position is Bob Katter playing again?
kk
Roar Pro
Strewth Dane, Sterlo in Bozo out For Peat's sake Get it right. Forward power Will win the night. Boys in blue by 7.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Mt Isa sugar cane?
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Sorry Dane, the scores have now been levelled with Bob Katters Facebook Rant. 1-1. Your move.