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Opinion

Does Origin mean as much to Queensland this year?

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Roar Rookie
26th May, 2020
23

The 2020 season may not be a year that Queensland fans want to remember, even if they play an Origin series or not.

There is an increasing likelihood of no fans at any of the games.

Fans are what make any Origin series a religion for Queenslanders. Games played at Suncorp Stadium are always at fever pitch in a state that is mad about rugby league, at least while the series is being played.

Queensland Maroons celebrate Origin win

(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The gloss will be off the series this year, meaning the TV ratings may well be off again this year.

Game 3 of the 2019 State of Origin series only amassed 1.77 million viewers. It’s hard to imagine Queenslanders being overly fussed by a series that they may not be able to attend.

The hype around any game at Suncorp Stadium is amazing. My time living in Queensland was a true eye opener as to how much of a religion Origin is in Queensland.

The locals have a passion for this three-game series of rugby league, which New South Welshmen just don’t have.

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New South Welshmen love the series, yes. However, they are pretty indifferent whether the Blues win, lose or draw.

It is unlikely any games will be played in Brisbane during the pandemic, with possibly a three-game series based and played in Sydney.

Especially after the season, the games would be played in the heat of a Brisbane late spring, which also needs to be taken into consideration as to where and when the Origin series will be played, if at all.

Only time will tell if the season ends prematurely again or is abandoned completely.

The game needs to go on, however this year the fever pitch is unlikely to occur in Queensland over the Origin series.

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