Another miracle has been performed at Lang Park, the Cathedral of Crunch, the spiritual home of the mighty Maroons, perpetual underdogs since State of Origin began.
For 43 years Origin has given meaning to Queensland winters. Even on an evening when the temperature threatened to dip down to single figures, the faithful gathered and had their hearts warmed by a miraculous performance, an effort so stunning it could only be believed by those who had witnessed it so many times before.
Of course it was never in doubt, all those who there will proclaim.
But when Cameron Munster succumbed to one of those perennial viruses that plague the Queensland camp, the media was full of the smug mutterings of a multitude of doubting Thomases.
There was, however, one Thomas who believed; and the name Dearden will always be mentioned when heroic efforts in time of Maroons need are recalled.
Few in the media seemed to think that they had a prayer, which makes you wonder if they’ve been watching for the last four decades. Blues cynics try to laugh off the power of Queensland spirit; and yet once again it was there, plain for all to see.
As the redemption of Ben Hunt was confirmed in the 78th minute in the form of an epic pilgrimage to the try-line, it was impossible not to be awed by this moment of spiritual ecstasy.
Queensland’s apparent lack of interest in the second match, the dead rubber, may have fooled many down south, but the conviction of the Sunshine State, home of the Big Pineapple, never wavered.
Perhaps the greatest leap of faith wasn’t believing the Maroons would win, but in appointing a coach who had never coached before.
Billy Slater and Ben Hunt celebrate. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
It now seems obvious Billy Slater was divinely destined to be Queensland coach. At the after match press conference he spoke about the resilience of Queenslanders through fire, drought, flood and cyclones, and how they never give up; how the team had channeled that spirit.
If a politician said those words you’d roll your eyes, but the simple truth of his words was played out on the Suncorp turf.
Much has been written about Slater’s work ethic and knowledge of the game.
But he obviously also has superb football intelligence.
Getting Cameron Smith to assist was a stroke of genius. King Wally Lewis may be the greatest player of all time, but certainly Smith has been the most effective. Nobody knows more about winning Origin games than Smith, and he must have made a significant contribution to the Maroons’ tactical supremacy.
So what have we learned? Well, nothing really. Those who don’t study history are condemned to repeat it, and in six months’ time the memory will have faded, and talk of Blue dynasties will once again be all we hear.
But that’s fine. In fact, it’s kind of how we like it up here.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Righto. I forgot that they struggled to count to two. So that of course explains quite a few six again calls I assume?
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
TLN a Blues Dynasties when they win one in a row
Nat
Roar Guru
Oh Jensa, really? On this forum? I read the blog but i may have missed yours. What was your comment then?
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Even though I made the first comment after full time ?
matth
Roar Guru
This was me taking the kids after promising for 10 years. Gave up corporate box on half way to do it. And totally Worth it
Rellum
Roar Guru
It's ok. Had my kids and we watch it as a family tradition
matth
Roar Guru
Ouch
Antony Faa
Guest
Great read David. You captured the essence of this match in few witty paragraphs Antony Faa
Rellum
Roar Guru
I got offered a ticket but had to turn to down
David Roderick
Roar Rookie
Smartest commentator on Ch 9 perhaps not the highest of bars, but that aside I'd suggest Slater and Smith are the highest footy IQ pair to ever coach a team, with perhaps only the Walker brothers coming close.
David Roderick
Roar Rookie
Agree 110%. It’s very difficult to argue with that sort of logic.
Nat
Roar Guru
Good morning John. It certainly puts a pep in the step. Yes agree that a lot of it is mental which bridges the gap in obvious talent. There is no greater fear than losing a game that everyone has already written down as won. At the same time, going into a game with nothing to lose allows the Qlders to play with freedom knowing their support is large and unwavering.
Boingo
Guest
Qld were the better team this year, and and NSW only won game 2 because the refs capitulated to Freddy's whining. If there wasn't a sin binning, and the game was left to the players to sort out, I think Queensland would have won.
Nat
Roar Guru
Wasn’t it what! I was second tier and nearly jumped off!
Nat
Roar Guru
Another couple of days off after a loss hey Jensa? And gracious as always. Stay classy.
RLFan
Roar Rookie
Sorry to rain on the Q'land "miracle" parade . I for one was not at all surprised at the Maroons win for the following reasons. 1. Billy Slater has been shown to be the smartest commentator on Ch. 9, and I had no doubts he would make a very good coach. 2. The Storm influence could be seen in that game, with each player given a part to play, which they carried out 100 percent. 3. The "Blue's dynasty" which you love sling off about was something cooked up by a few media types and the punters in NSW have never been convinced. 4. Lang Park and the rabid crowd is a massive help to the Maroons and it has always been difficult to win there. Losing the first game in Sydney meant it was always going to be hard. 5. "NSW just don't get it" is another myth just ask the boys who played their hearts out in a beaten team.
matth
Roar Guru
True, we didn’t here in the two times out of fifteen Suncorp deciders. But for the other thirteen, it’s real. Every team has an identity. At club level you definitely get this because at the moment the Panthers have one of the strongest identities and cultures - the home grown in it together thing. Well QLD has a strong identity too. Yes sometimes we are beaten regardless, even well beaten sometimes. But the culture of do anything for the team and state comes back time and again. NSW’s team culture is individual brilliance, front running and a failure to believe they can be beaten. This means when they fall behind and the chips are down they can’t process and tough it out. Phil Gould got it and his NSW teams had superb resilience. The current lot are talented and can really wipe the floor with an opposition, but can’t stomach it when they are required to dig super deep to get out of a hole.
matth
Roar Guru
Thanks Joey :stoked:
matth
Roar Guru
And I was in that spot!! The roar was incredible. It was a frenzy
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Good morning Nat. I bet the smile is still on your face since Wednesday night! I derive even more enjoyment being a Queensland supporter living in enemy territory & seeing the reaction & listening to the usual childish excuses post match. Slightly different topic. Listening to a radio sports breakfast show on Thursday & Michael Clarke & Laurie Daley were talking about Wally Lewis & why Queensland revere their past sporting stars more than NSW. Here’s my theory. Two most popular sports played in both states are rugby league & cricket. Queensland pre Origin & pre mid 90’s were regularly hammered by NSW in rugby league & cricket respectively hence when things turned around, the Queensland public responded. NSW with their past success in the two sports, became arrogant, self entitled & just take winning for granted. A great percentage of sport is “played in the head” so being underdogs is helpful as there is less pressure to perform. Long may Queensland sporting successes continue. I will never tire of seeing NSW noses being rubbed into the dirt.