As the players shook hands and the presentations were made after State of Origin Game 3 on Wednesday night, you could be forgiven for thinking NSW had not just plucked defeat from the jaws of victory.
Although clearly not happy, the Blues players and staff were in a somewhat positive mood, as if their hearts hadn’t just been ripped from their chests.
Do NSW even get Origin?
Origin began in 1980 when, at long last, Queensland were able to use players who had gone to play club football south of the Tweed for bigger pay days.
These were different times – gambling was not legal in Queensland and as such, leagues clubs in NSW (where gambling was legalised) could generate significantly more cash flow, and thus attract the best players around the country.
As such, some of Queensland’s finest players – including Arthur Beetson, Rod Reddy and Kerry Boustead – wore blue and played against their beloved home state. It’s something current NSW fans seem to forget when they accuse Queensland of ‘poaching their own’.
This is where the true concept of State of Origin and a hate for NSW by Queensland fans was born. NSW had ruled the interstate series year after year and were using Queensland’s own players to do it. Queensland had had enough and by the time the first State of Origin game in 1980 was played, Maroon fans were ready for revenge.
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Even after 11 series wins in the last 12 years, Queensland fans remember what it was like to be demolished every single year for decades. Now the tides have turned!
With this in mind, Andrew Johns’ comments on Channel Nine’s post-match show become even more important, saying, “I still don’t think NSW get it.”
If history is anything to go by, he’s spot on! NSW simply do not have the burning desire to see their state triumph over the other at any cost. Chances are they probably won’t get it for another decade.
Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Johnathan Thurston are some of the greatest footballers to every play the game. But the bigger factor is that these men have been raised in a culture of passion and will. A burning desire to see Queensland triumph over NSW at all cost!
Chances are guys like Smith and Cronk grew up listening to stories from their family about how the Blues used to humiliate the Maroons year after year – with Queensland’s own players!
Do NSW get Origin? At this point in time, it’s difficult to say they do. Queensland get it, but only because they were subject to some of the most humiliating beatdowns in sporting history.
Chances are that in ten years’ time, NSW will produce players who may have only seen their state win the 2014 series. At that point, NSW will finally understand State of Origin.
It’s a genuine burning passion to see your state drive the opposition into the ground. It’s about doing whatever it takes to make sure you win, because losing is not an option!
That is what State of Origin is all about. At the moment, NSW just don’t get it.
Rob
Guest
TB, you are very close to what I also believe the difference is. Queenslander's don't hate NSW, they just love to beat them on the sporting field. Queenslanders have tremendous pride in wearing the jersey, It's an honour that players don't take for granted because the players before them reinforce it every year. Origin camps are not about bonding sessions as Milf. Holmes,Napa, and others found out. You are probably right that the All Blacks would have a similar respect for the Jersey because it is something they don't take for granted.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
No idea TB. It has to be the first thing they look at when doing their review. In theory you should get better, with the same 17, as the series goes on. But they didn't. Everyone knew the Maroons would improve. So that's no excuse. Were the players complacent knowing that after Game I they had no chance of being dropped? Did that mean they didn't put in 100%? I find that hard to believe but there is no doubt they lost around 5% of energy and desire. And that killed them.
The Barry
Roar Guru
That's an interesting insight eJ. That lack of energy did come through on TV. I've written elsewhere here asking how can it be that NSW have spent seven weeks in camp with the same 17 players and be demonstrably worse in areas like that in game three than they were in game one.
db
Guest
With any luck, Albert and Ben will be at the Roosters in a couple years time.
db
Guest
Would you like a shovel to remove the sand?
Agent11
Guest
The fact that NSW picks Hayne and Dugan at centre, one who is out of form and the other who has never proven anything at this level just shows NSW "don't get it". Pick centres who have trained and played centre week in week out for their clubs, who are not going to make mistakes in defence or attack. IMO these selection just show arrogance by NSW. Someone like Dylan Walker who has been playing out of his skin must think he has to become a fullback to make the NSW team.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Yeah the desperation factor is a valid point. I was at Game I and Game III. I think when in the stands you get to see a number of things that may not come through on TV. And energy is definitely one of them. In Game I it was apparent that NSW were extremely well drilled. They had a pod system going, where they'd come together and chat. Left, middle and right. Each of them had a job. Each knew the plan. And you saw it play out. It was the most professional attitude I'd seen from the Blues in years. And it showed in their energy and desperation. They kept working for each other. And some crucial try savers were the result. Fast forward to Game III and there was none of that. They looked disorganised. Flat. There were no pod chats. Why was that?? Was it because the Maroons came out firing? Not sure as the Maroons did the same in Game I. And NSW were able to weather the storm and still score points. I really just think there was no leadership. Why it changed so much from the first game to the last is what they need to look at in their review.
matth
Guest
NSW 'get it'. At various times over the year NSW have fielded teams of players who get how to win, and they did win, sometimes for up to three years in a row. Lazarus, Daley, ET, Harrigan, Toovey, Johns, Fittler, Buderus, Brasher. these guys were winners and had the culture. There is no way in the world that the players I mentioned above would have been walking on the inside 10 metres out from their own line with the series on the line, like Woods and Fifita were on Wednesday when Wallace scores. It comes down to individuals. They were tired, they were frustrated and they allow themselves to lose. The world is against me, the refs are biased, the opposition are offside, my feet hurt, I'm supposed to be a star. there certainly did not appear to be a desperation born of an absolute determination not to let your mates or your state down. Various comments have mentioned the sliding doors moment when Hayne doesn't pass that ball. That shows Hayne doesn't get it. He wanted to be the hero, to run up to the crowd and do his plane thing. So NSW as a state have got it in the past and get it now, but certain players do not. Of course, how does this explain Cam Smith doing exactly the same thing as Hayne did in Game three? Well maybe he never learned to pass right to left...
matth
Guest
You tell yourself that. It was to see the local players Stick it up em, so to speak, even if we knew they would run out of puff after 50 minutes.
matth
Guest
And don't forget the North Queenslanders have been threatening secession from South Queensland for almost as long.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Yeah not sure I agree. But who cares. Can't really see its relevance to my post.
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
NSWRL could get a petition going to have DCE play for them. Munster, Hunt, Norman, Milford, Taylor, Mbye are all infront of DCE in Walters eyes.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Albert Hopoate was FB. Quality player. Young Ben Trbojevic also played well. 5 Manly players in that u16s side. Was good to see.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Jimmmy, always enjoy your contributions mate. QLD have something special, no doubt about that. But there have been plenty of sliding doors moments over the years. The Hayne one just another example. As you point out, Hayne passes the ball to an unmarked Morris and suddenly people are calling for an extended NSW reign. The teams are close. Class got the Maroons home (again) but that doesn't mean NSW don't get Origin. We lack leaders in key positions. QLD have that in spades. I sat in the crowd amongst a sea of Maroon and proudly cheered. I loved the banter. I knew almost immediately that QLD were on when I watched Cam Smith running the ball. He took it upon himself to lead from the front. NSW perhaps don't have that right now. But again it doesn't mean NSW lack passion. Or that they don't get Origin. Prior to this incredible run NSW were leading the series ledger. That tells me that they must have got something right. Instead of bagging NSW, I think we should just celebrate this fantastic QLD side. Smith, Thurston, Slater, Cronk. And before them Lockyer. Key leaders in key positions. All time greats. Not saying the others shouldn't enjoy the plaudits, cause they should. But it's been pretty amazing to have all those guys come through at the same time.
Rellum
Roar Guru
NSW didn't have superior players to QLD in the 80's, they just thought they did. NSW did have much better players then than they do now, hence why they actually one a few series.
Nat
Roar Guru
I had the same experience Jimmy. 12 yrs of anguish and they still showed up in Blue to sit in with 50k screaming Qlders. No one could have known how that was going to turn out so it's an easy article to write after the event. Did you see those U16s? 26 x Klemmer size kids! Whoever that NSW FB was, DAMN!
Nat
Roar Guru
Which would you rate better: Sensational Mogg or unbelievable Falou (08)? Both were ridiculous
Jimmmy
Guest
EJ you are one who always seems to get it. NSW were one , yes one ! Hayne pass from a two nil series win and a meaningless rubber at Suncorp. If Hayne threw that pass what would we be saying now. QLD , Too old , too slow , just not up to it.? I was at game 3 as I know you were . Anyone who says NSW has no passion is an idiot. The fans I met and talked too were as passionate and one eyed as any I have met and there were more than just a sprinkling of them in the crowd. Talked to a family from Nowra who had driven up for the match . Mum ,Dad three kids. Tell em they have no passion.! Game three was made for QLD to win. Suncorp, decider, JT last series, and the fact we have superb leaders in Smith , Cronk and Slater. There was nothing in it. Our forwards lifted incredibly and we had the finishers to get it done. Next year the story is different again.
Nat
Roar Guru
Hi TB, I'll give you two quotes that stood out for me this year written by Boyd Cordiner and Dane Gagai for Fox Sports. Boyd stated that he was inspired by Paul Gallen when he said "just because you get given an Origin jersey, doesn’t mean you’re an Origin player". Dane Gagai spoke of last year's inception into the Qld "the day I met the boys they told me there is a reason I was selected, we trust you to do the job" Which of those two inspires a better team culture do you think?
eagleJack
Roar Guru
QLD have won 60 Origin games. NSW 49. For a state that doesn't "get" it, I would have thought that would be closer to 30. But maybe I don't "get" it either.