Following their sacrifices throughout this year’s covid-affected Origin series, it’s time to repay the selfless Blues by playing all three fixtures in Queensland next year.
Let’s be fair; now that Brad Fittler’s men are unbeatable anywhere north of the Tweed, gifting New South Wales another series of away games is the least rugby league can do.
In fact, such has been their benevolence on their unprecedented road trip romp, there’s an argument to be made to send the concept up to the Sunshine State permanently – or at least until Paul Green moves on.
With this year’s series about to wrap-up, talk has turned to compensating the Blues in 2022 for their charitable gesture of plunging the Maroons in to crisis while north of the border.
This has seen debate around how to adequately give thanks to James Tedesco’s side for performing the most magnanimous deed in interstate folklore – saving the Origin concept by killing it.
James Tedesco (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Blues officials believe the only way to even out the disadvantages faced by their side – such as Queensland’s feral locals, bloodthirsty media and nefarious hometown refereeing – is by shifting them all to Sydney.
But with the logistical difficulties of transplanting the Caxton to Homebush – namely the NSW government’s current biosecurity rules outlawing Allan Langer’s Y-fronts – many believe the only way to truly return the favour is by playing at the Blues’ fortress north of the border – forever.
Not only would moving Origin to Queensland for eternity guarantee ongoing series whitewashes for the Blues, it would pay deep respect to the hosts by allowing the sacred concept a dignified death at its spiritual homeland while surrounded by loved ones.
Furthermore, by shifting operations to the largely covid-free state, it would shield the players from any potential biosecurity measures, thus granting them and their families the freedoms of the general public, like eating at a restaurant or inviting a dancer back to their hotel.
Best of all, Queensland fans wouldn’t have to move too far from their tent cities, while the Blues faithful would only have to make three 900km treks north instead of battling to get to Stadium Australia.
For those unaware, NSW are unbackable favourites to complete their 3-0 series whitewash tomorrow night at Gold Coast’s CBus Stadium, with the fixture shifted for a third time after coronavirus refused to sign a sworn statement to stay away from Newcastle.
Uprooting the match north was the latest development in rugby league’s modern topsy turvy world and its ‘new normal’- that being, repeatedly giving Queensland home games until they show a pulse.
Come full-time, it will be the Blues’ first series whitewash since the year 2000, thus ending a painful 21 year wait that could’ve finished earlier simply had an unmasked limo driver stopped at various cafes throughout Eastern Sydney.
Soundly thrashing the Maroons without a single home game is a newfound transient dominance not lost on Fittler, with the coach moving training operations as close to Queensland as possible in Kingscliff, a decision that has seen his team since record no defeats or horse riding accidents.
With NSW now aware of this clear advantage, historians are recalculating how three games a year in Queensland would’ve affected the Maroons’ famous streak under Cameron Smith and Mal Meninga – and the results are stunning.
By applying the disparity retrospectively, Queensland’s record for this period would amend in unfathomable fashion from eight-in-a-row, to eight-in-a-row with less Frequent Flyers.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing: thanks Dane
Joey
Guest
Dribble in lockdown looking for a bite. Trying to stir the pot as if getting NSW riled up will make Qld feel a tad better. Not working. NSW reign supreme, and as far as safety goes, (at least) two games in NSW next year.
Andrew01
Roar Rookie
I'm with you. It would be nice if the NRL prioritised the NRL competition. I have no idea why this game is being played considering everything that is happening. In a week when you are having to ship the entire competition to one state, and reschedule games for however long and all the logistics of moving families, dealing with governments, organising hotels, grounds, catering, transport etc, why are we playing a non event? I know the obvious answer: "broadcaster". Well it is channel Nine. You tell them to stop whining as there won't be any games for them to cover for the rest of the year if they get this wrong.
matth
Roar Guru
I'd would add that the further north they go, the better NSW seem to play, so all three games next year should be held on a floating barge moored off the coast of Bamaga.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I'm pretty sure Perth has one game next year.
matth
Roar Guru
I'm the opposite, but each to their own. The reason for me is that QLD Origin has been around since I was 9 years old, whereas the Broncos came much later, so my childhood passion is with QLD. My club passions were swept away in 1988 and while I am absolutely a Broncos supporter, it's not life or death. Now if Redcliffe become team 17....that's a different story.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Gladys is unintentionally making Annastacia look good in comparison. It’s no bed of roses running NSW during these difficult times however Gladys “Lockdown? Call it what you like” & her trusty Health Minister, Brad “We made a mistake. Move on.” are fortunate, like in Queensland, their opposition are not viewed as suitable alternatives.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Dane, the thinking is all wrong. In this COVID ravaged world the future is in Barter Town and the Thunderdome. 2 men enter 1 man leaves. At the end total up the winners including reserves and their you have it.
Crow
Roar Pro
The three games in Queensland have been through circumstances that are out of the normal authorities control. Hopefully the pandemic eases up and things can return to normal however in the mean time we all need to support the decisions and our team.
kk
Roar Pro
Hi Dane, Annastacia v Gladys is the equivalent of Bette Davis v Joan Crawford. Those ladies loved the lead role, the camera and favoured a bit of drama. The Origin circus is a mere undercard. Where the tent is pitched matters not. The game looks the same on screens regardless of location. Winning runs usually fluctuate according to which team has the services of future immortals. Dane, the complexities associated with your repay suggestion is pure pineapple, to be enjoyed by all.
Lance Boil
Roar Rookie
It was just a measly 8 in a row. And the streak ended quite a while ago 2014 . Still, never get tired of blues eating their liver over SOO.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
I understand that your article is dripping with sarcasm so I will contribute some sanity by repeating my recent comment on the relocation of the NRL to the Sunshine State. A glass half full attitude would see the exercise as beneficial as follows: warmer weather, an environment not struggling with COVID as is the case in NSW where some of it’s constituents are ignoring Gladys’ daily pleas. Also playing games in Queensland where people actually go & watch matches thus creating an atmosphere, a polar opposite to some Sydney attendances. The game will be kept going. WIN. WIN.
Brett
Guest
Two games in NSW in 2022 makes more sense. The scheduled home game and another home game to compensate for missing their game 3 home game this year. QLD outbid NSW for Game 1, so NSW aren't entitled to three home games.
Walter Black
Guest
Its not just me then. I enjoy Origin for a high quality game of footy that it is but the disruption, hype and circus it has become is painful. I wanted to watch Origin 1 in Melbourne this year. My first chance to see and Origin game or a Finals game in a very long time. If we were talking fairness then Origin 3 should have been played in AMMI Park and given long suffering Victorian fans a little light relief but lets get realistic, we are talking NSW League here. Even the relocated Storm v Roosters game, the first that could have been held in Victoria since round 8 and after a year of no games in 2020 was relocated to.... You got it Newcastle. So please don't start talking fairness when it comes to NSW League.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Dane, I'll be glad when Origin is finished. I'm tired of the hype for just 3 games. I'd sooner see Saints win the Premiership than QLD win Origin. I'm sure most supporters would rather see their team crowned Premiers than their state win Origin. I could be wrong, but hey that's me. Also I've got no problem with NSW hosting the 3 Origin games next year.