Despite being scheduled for an 8pm (AEST) start, Game 2 kicked off at 8:14pm, a two-minute improvement from Game 1 that saw the first whistle sound at 8:16pm.
The State of Origin kick-off time is just about impossible to predict. So, with that in mind, we’re opening the floor to all suggestions and asking one simple question with another edition of kick-off bingo: what time will Origin 2 actually start?
The scheduled Origin kick off time for Game 2 is 8pm. However, that’s unlikely to fool anybody (unless you’ve been living under a rock, that is), and 8:12pm is believed to be the time on the NRL’s official run-sheet.
The last time State of Origin kicked off at the advertised time was… we’re not sure. For example, Game 1 this year was also scheduled to begin at 8pm, but it actually kicked off at 8:16pm.
State of Origin 2
» Queensland’s champions refuse to lose
» Match report: Maroons steal Game 2 win to force a decider
» Watch all the Origin 2 highlights
» Why the State of Origin man of the match process is broken
So, we want to hear when you think the game is going to get underway. Will we see a repeat of the 8:16 kick-off time? Could we be in for a rare treat and see the game start on time? Or will we go back to the bad old days of the action not beginning until after 8:20.
Update
8:18pm (AEST) took a majority of the vote, with 8:19pm and 8:17pm coming in close behind.
To give you a bit of extra help, the opening game last year kicked off at 8:21pm, Game 2 began at 8:23pm and Game 3 got underway at the earlier time of 8:15pm (AEST).
Of course, Game 3 last year and presumably Game 1 this year got underway so early because of the pressure heaped on by fans and the media alike, who were sick of games starting 20 minutes later than the scheduled time.
8:15 and 8:16 isn’t a whole heap better, but it’s an improvement. The question now is whether we are going to stick with that trend or go back in the other direction.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
Hopefully at about 8.40 because I want to watch Merlin.
Rellum
Roar Guru
That call seems, I don't know, early.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
As well as the traditional "I knew this was coming" regardless of what happens on the field. There could be a reenactment of the dark knight rises stadium scene with Neo Ned Kelly playing the role of Bane and he'll explain how he knew it was coming.
Scott Pryde
Expert
The winner of Game 2 kick-off bingo is 8:18pm. Special shout out to the people who put 1:01am, 2am and 10:45pm.
Griffo
Guest
Damn! I missed kickoff!
Griffo
Guest
Have you seen Gus's pregame spiel?
Griffo
Guest
Agree entirely. If they want to start at 8:25 (although I think the NRL should tell them it should be 8:10) then advertise kickoff for 8:25 and stick to it. The thing for me is I'm too nervous to have the tv on anything else after 7:30 on an origin night. I can't focus on whatever else is on. Even if I'm not watching before the game the tv is on and ready.
Griffo
Guest
I think they started late the night the scoreboard was on fire and they had to evacuate patrons from the Ponsford stand onto the playing field. I think that was in 1999.
Griffo
Guest
You've convinced me. A decider for game 3 has been predetermined. Rugby league illuminati confirmed!
Eden
Guest
8:22. Too much hype, and one team will leave the other hanging for 4 minutes on the field while they huddle and talk. Then the anthem.. it's ridiculous though and will eventually boil over and the NRL will reactively try to resolve it all too late...
Griffo
Guest
Don't forget "Queensland look out on their feet", and "The Maroons are all bunched up in the middle of the field".
AJL.
Roar Pro
I'm calling 8:20.
Harry
Guest
Went 8.19 but feeling probably too soon. Channel 9 must live in fear of the golden egg going and if I was an under-pressure television executive (and these days there are no other type, apart from reality free ABC and SBS execs) I'd order them to whack some extra extra adds on, just to milk it to the max.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Pity, I thought your were going for broke and picking 7.26 am Thur morning.
insomniac
Guest
Hey, don't forget we're talking rugby league here. We don't need your mumbo jumbo.
Carlos
Guest
10:30 after a sportsbet market update and 35 Ladbroke, TAB and VB adds
Pedro the Maroon
Guest
And he must say that NSW will out-enthuse and out-origin Qld.
Chop
Roar Guru
GOLD - Well played sir
spruce moose
Guest
Boom tish!
spruce moose
Guest
Admirable, but not how the ratings (or advertising structures). They get the money and the ratings kudos from the match. The protest would be to tune in on the radio and not watch the game. You are right though...it is deeply offensive. The NRL should put a stop to it because they look thoroughly impotent by allowing it to happen. No other sport kowtows to the TV like this, why the NRL accept their own weakness is beyond me.