Queensland is a special place. By an accident of circumstance, I was born here nearly 39 years ago, and I’ve now lived in Brisbane for more than 20 years since migrating from northern New South Wales to attend Griffith University.
State of Origin has always been important to me, as it is to many of my fellow New South Welshmen. But if you were to ask me if I would trade an Origin series victory for a Dragons premiership, I’d make that trade every day of the week.
I’ve met plenty of Queenslanders who wouldn’t trade an Origin victory for anything.
I once attended a conference in Cairns with a bunch of academics and officials, including the leaders of several Indigenous communities in north and far north Queensland.
I took my designated place at the table and within about two minutes the man sitting next to me – who I would soon discover was a member of the Tallis clan – had figured out that I was a Dragons fan with roots in NSW.
Later, after I’d said my bit and was engaged in some Q&A, I happened to let slip my provenance, at which point a cry rang out: “He’s a Dragons fan too”. These revelations elicited a chorus of boos from a room of otherwise smart and lovely people.
Like I said, it’s a special place.
I’ve observed a few other quirks and oddities during my time as a Blue domiciled in Brisbane. Here are a few of them.
The Courier Mail
While print media is in seemingly terminal decline, the Courier Mail remains a prominent and somewhat infamous presence in Brisbane. It’s everywhere, and I usually peruse its pages as I await my morning coffee.
It’s feared by the political class for its often coruscating performance reviews of cabinet ministers. There’s something akin to a mantra among the top brass of the public service: does this pass the Courier Mail test? This is another way of asking: how could this be misconstrued?
It’s also not uncommon to see bumper stickers posing the question, ‘Is it true or did you read it in the Courier Mail’?
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
State of Origin time is when the organ in question goes completely off the reservation. There’ve been conspiracy theories and some pretty outlandish attacks on players, coaches and referees during hard times for Queensland, along with the boorish triumphalism during good times.
One of my favourites was the reaction after a masterful Andrew Johns-led NSW to victory in the 2005 series. The Courier Mail churlishly noted that “It took NSW 25 years to draw level with Queensland in overall Origin clashes”.
Variable standards of business attire
While in recent years I’ve attended a few meetings in track pants and slippers due to the pandemic and remote working, I still can’t quite get my head around otherwise sensible colleagues who turn up to the office wearing a Queensland jersey on the day of an Origin game.
If walking around the CBD at lunchtime is any guide, it’s a widespread phenomenon. Does this happen in Sydney or other parts of NSW?
I don’t know about you, but I struggle to take a person wearing a rugby league jersey at work seriously. Maybe I’m a young fuddy-duddy.
If you’re not with us, you’re against us
Many years ago, when I was starting my professional career as the office lackey, I was occasionally called upon to answer the phone in the office of a then senior and very well-known cabinet minister.
As I’m sure you can imagine, these offices tend to attract some weird and disturbing calls. That’s bad; Origin time was worse.
(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
In the lead-up to an Origin game some radio stations – and not just radio stations in Queensland – like to call prominent politicians to ask them about who they support in Origin as some sort of weird loyalty test.
Naturally the media unit didn’t want to deal with these calls – they had actual issues to worry about – so the youngsters on the phones were instructed to play up the Queensland patriotism and get rid of them as quickly as possible.
At one point I fielded a call from a radio station in the Northern Territory asking who the minister thought would win. “Queensland of course,” I replied. And so it continued until, unsatisfied with the stock answers, they asked who I supported.
Do I tell the truth? No, not an option. Do I just say Queensland? Couldn’t do it. I settled on: “I’m from Tasmania; I’m a neutral. May the best team win”.
Mistake – they weren’t buying it. My lack of passion for Queensland had been noticed. There was a Blue in the machinery of the Queensland government. Fortunately nobody important cared.
You don’t ‘get’ Origin
When I’ve reflected on such quirks and oddities I’ve often been met with a ‘you just don’t get Origin, David’.
I’ve heard similar lines trotted out by commentators and former players when NSW are struggling. They lack passion. They don’t want it as much as Queensland. They don’t get Origin.
What does this mean? The simple explanation might be an extension of what I mentioned in my introduction: I care about Origin, but it’s not as important as my beloved Dragons.
But the way people go on, you’d think they’re talking about something mystical or spiritual – that something had been bottled within Queensland when the lawyers were debating at the constitutional conventions of the late 1890s.
I think it’s more prosaic. It’s about ownership. State of Origin belongs to Queensland. It’s something that was wrested from NSW, correcting a supposed injustice. Don’t bother pointing out the residency rules that were in place for more than 70 years or the basic economics that underpinned their outcome.
And definitely don’t point out that one of Queensland’s greatest ever players and captains came from Balmain. That’s in Queensland.
Lance Boil
Roar Rookie
There are two rules in QLD for not having your intelligence insulted. First don't read the Courier Mail second rule is see rule # 1 The "you don't get it" simply put is there is no shame in being beaten by a NSW rugby league side for a QLDer there is no loss of self esteem just a burning desire to have another crack! You are far too young to know how QLD league people felt for decades hoping to win a match!
Redcap
Roar Guru
"Seriously hates the way QLD view SOO with so much passion?" It's quite the opposite, Rob. I marvel at it in the article, while pointing out that I don't quite get it. I also state that I care very much about Origin. This is another incoherent post you don't appear to have given much thought to. "To right an article about it suggests other wise." Oh dear.
Rob
Guest
Yep. He’s gone all political jumbo. It started so QLD could be competitive at Representative level. To suggest QLD should be great full NSW agreed to participate in what now is the show piece of Rugby League is exactly the arrogance QLD like to shove up the NSW mob. Seriously hates the way QLD view SOO with so much passion? I’m not sure how sport really works without a bit of passion myself. Sorry I find a lot of NSW arrogance and put downing of Queensland in the article. I suspect the Dragon’s records set in the Sydney competition are something very precious and frequently rubbed in the face of those who support other clubs when the opportunity presents also. It’s a run away statement when you say “I don’t really care it’s not really important” gets thrown out there. To right an article about it suggests other wise.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Didn't Sidney Deane play for Norths in 1908. :happy:
Nat
Roar Guru
You just don’t get it… :happy:
Nat
Roar Guru
Humphries! That’s the bloke.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Not sure what you're getting at there, Mushi. Is the death star some sort of casino?
mushi
Roar Guru
But it's more healthy to have that obsession for players contracted to your cause for 2-4 years? Supporting NSW is like cheering for the death star
mushi
Roar Guru
Yep. I'm the opposite fact pattern. I've lived most of my life in Sydney but born and grew up in the magical climes of QLD. To paraphrase Sidney Deane "you can listen to origin, but you can't hear it"
Redcap
Roar Guru
No issue with any of that Nat and I wasn't suggesting the QRL could/should have swum against the tide. NSW had every incentive to retain the status quo and easily could've, but ultimately didn't. And here we are today. I don't think NSW were angels, but nor do I think there was any injustice, other than that Qld inflicted upon itself.
criag
Roar Rookie
Listening to the Olympics on the radio in Queensland for me was baffling (and a little disturbing). Whenever a Queenslander wins a medal it was ''IT'S ANOTHER MEDAL FOR QUEENSLAND!" Somebody needed to remind them what country they were in.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
"This was a drunken handshake deal on NYE at a NSWRL function in Sydney 1979 between Sen McAulliffe and" Kevin Humphries was the NSWRL chairman in 1979. He sold me my 1979 grand final tickets. He was a Balmain boy who unfortunately had a gambling addiction at the time. Arthurson and Moore were seen as the NSWRL talking heads.
criag
Roar Rookie
The old rules of state representation of residency just made sense at the time. Brisbane had its own thriving competition which was the primary source of interest there. If you went to Sydney you were just forgotten about. It was the same with Aussie Rules. There were the VFL, SAFL, WAFL, etc. Rugby league copied them three years after they had the concept of State of Origin. There was only one rugby league game broadcast each week in Sydney, so Queensland players wouldn’t have had much exposure to selectors anyway. I went to a few state games and can’t even remember if they were always broadcast…..but wow! the refs were often from Queensland, and if you want to see downright bias refereeing, get your hands on copies of those games!…they just about made up for the difference in quality. Do we ‘get it’ in NSW? Of course we do! Do we get that some would trade a club premiership for an origin game….no, because that’s just plain friggin’ stupid! That really shows they don’t get what rugby league is all about.
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
First time I went to Lang Park Origin was the Game 3 decider in 1994. It was Mal's last game in QLD colours and Benny's last for NSW. The Blues belted them and I was happy to accept the beer shower that I received that night.
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
Ha ha ha it's not far off. Normal rational QLD people go nuts at Origin time. I don't mind Origin (as an NSW-man - lived in QLD for 30 years), but to me it's good entertainment to break up the footy season. If the Blues win, yeah good. Good game blah blah. Most QLDers I've encountered can barely speak after a loss. If QLD win, well played, etc. Can't shut them up. After a Blues win I'm pretty quiet about the office. The QLDers view that as passive aggressive and they think you are sticking it to them. After a Blues loss, I'm still quiet. My silence is viewed as a sore loser. I really couldn't care less. Anyway good on QLD the other night. Just loved watching Munster weave his magic. That was pretty special.
Nat
Roar Guru
I’m not disputing the fact Qld was a political basket case. My argument is the ability of the QRL to change those circumstances in order to introduce any type of money generating model that could replicate what the pokies money of the NSWRL clubs was generating. Granted, that was benefit of the club not the state but while the residency rule was in place it certainly wasn’t a level playing field nor one that could be rectified at QRL level. Further, any Qlder wanting to play for Qld put at risk their chance for an Australian jumper. NSWRL didn’t do QRL any favours. After a decade of campaigning for Origin rules NSWRL only agree to a showcase Origin match after the residency series had been played in 1980 and again in 1981. This was a drunken handshake deal on NYE at a NSWRL function in Sydney 1979 between Sen McAulliffe (i forget the name of the NSWRL figure). It was essentially a bet not a favour that qld players would win and the games would be a success. While this was a nothing game in NSW, Qld were still pulling 10k - 15k attendees pre 1980 and sellouts thereafter. The only card Qld had to play was to threaten to withhold gate takings for the Qld match/s.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Two related points both covered above: 1. Qld dug itself into a hole with its backward economic policies and yahoo governments; it didn't have to do that (agency) and it was a significant factor in the talent drain to NSW (and not just in rugby league, and not just to NSW); 2. Despite its inertia and vested interests, NSW RL did Qld a big favour in collaborating to get Origin off the ground. That was the impetus for the QRL to modernise and eventually compete in what was to become the NRL. Like I said, I don't mind propagation of the 'injustice' myth but, while the QRL was partly a victim of forces beyond its control, Queensland was not. It can't be an injustice if the thing holding you back is your own state.
Nat
Roar Guru
I reckon you've over simplified that one AMD. How does the QRL fix up their own backyard when it was the political and economic factors beyond their control. Where does the QRL pick up the finances, within the law, to compete with pokie money?
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
He can stop being so smug and satisfied
Redcap
Roar Guru
Hi Nat, Matth said something similar and I've certainly observed how the history has passed into a popular mythology that very few Queenslanders seriously examine. I know, that's not the point of the exercise. Trouble is, not much of the mythology survives even rudimentary historico-political or socio-economic analysis. The old interstate series was really unbalanced. Why? The rules established in the early 20th century (partly, but it wasn't all one-way traffic). Conspiracy begetting injustice (no, get real). Structural economic and historical factors (yes, definitely). Cultural imperatives and choice (yes, definitely). As I said to Barry, NSW was wrong to oppose Origin initially. But what incentive did they have at the time to change? If Queensland wanted to win more, the onus was on them to get their act together. Why should the rules change because they Queensland couldn't get its act together? Queensland rugby league was, of course, subject to political and economic forces well out of its control - you can argue that Origin is a not insignificant moment in the broader history of Queensland. Somebody should write a thesis about it - somebody probably has. I don't mind the injustice myth - I'd just like more Queenslanders to accept that their state had agency - in other words, a choice in where they ended up by the 1970s.