I really used to look forward to State of Origin.
Nothing was better than the prospect of seeing the Queensland underdog overcome the odds, and nothing better than revelling in a glorious pre-match Phil Gould monologue.
Even dead rubbers were worth watching. Normally, I’d be excited by an imminent clean sweep of failures for New South Wales, but there’s something lifeless about this year’s non-deciding match.
Sadly, Origin Three 2023 is shaping up as the deadest dead rubber ever.
What should be the highlight of the NRL season unfortunately looms as likely being the dampest of damp squibs. Not even the promise of a broadcast bereft of players breathlessly babbling on about respecting possession can lift the spirits.
Why exactly has this year’s game three failed to quicken the pulse? Is it because we nearly always look forward to an exciting decider? Not at all.
In the words of Tom Jones, it’s not unusual for an Origin series to be decided prematurely. By my calculations nearly half of all Origin series have been decided before game three.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow celebrates a try in State of Origin game two. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
But I can’t recall the pervasive lethargy that has settled on this series existing in previous years. It was only a few years ago in 2018 with the series lost that the lead-up to the third game bristled with bluster as Queensland vowed to send retiring fullback Billy Slater out on a high note. It seemed an important thing to do.
Fast forward to the present and NSW seems to have little interest in sending their retiring coach Fittler out with a strong finish.
There are many theories that might explain this. Perhaps the spin-the-wheel approach to selection has disillusioned many Blues supporters.
From a Queensland point of view the loss of golden boy Reece Walsh may have diminished some public interest. No one would ever publicly condone his antics, but privately perhaps we feel his childish tantrums are slightly entertaining.
Maroon supporters also may have tasted a delicious schadenfreude with the dropping of arch-villain Jarome Luai, but seeing him sulk after losing gives viewers one less thing to look forward to.
Another reason for the disinterest in the match may be just how fascinating the Ashes cricket has been. It has clearly pulled focus, to such an extent that maybe some consideration could be given to playing the third Origin match as just one forty minute half that would fit neatly into the lunch break of the third Test.
Even the players seem to have moved on. Once Kalyn Ponga and Latrell Mitchell decided they had better things to do, how could you blame supporters for following suit?
Something needs to be done to save Origin. Perhaps NSW could look over the ditch and pick a few NZ players. The inclusion of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves might just give the series the good old fashioned poke in the eye it needs.
Redcap
Roar Guru
All fine by me. Whatever happens, I won't be watching it.
Artesia
Roar Rookie
You know what I mean! Of course there was a whole Queensland competition. One that was very much the little brother of the NSWRL. If Queenslanders wanted to succeed they came to Sydney. Origin was never about the best of the best. It was a rep team that brought back Qlders. And that is exactly my point - Origin is for Queensland. And I would argue that we don't even need Origin. I would like to think that we have all grown up and that the International game is the pinnacle.
Rellum
Roar Guru
"It was a time before there were any Queensland teams." Hold on there, that is not true. There was a whole comp. Where do you think Wally played outside of Origin? Was he just working in his Butcher shop until each Origin game rolled around? Origin was never about the best of the best. It was a rep team that brought back Qlders. The idea that is the best of the best is a recent phenomenon. What people need to do is have Origin for Qld and NSW and the Kangaroos for the rest. If you are from Victoria, you shouldn't be playing Origin, but you can play for the Kangaroo's. We have got away from that idea and that is a shame and what is really killing international football
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
Only select players who are eligible for Kangaroo's selection - then see the passion as players vie for selection in the national team. Can't remember between whom and the exact quote, but there was one where one hooker asked the other to hurry up because they need to get home to pack for the Kangaroos tour. No rivalry like that now unfortunately
Artesia
Roar Rookie
I will preface this by saying that I have always loved Origin. I go to games - I wear the silly blue wig. I watch the abominable channel 9 commentary. Origin was created for Queensland. After a time where Queenslanders faced off against fellow Queenslanders in NSW colours, time all the teams were from NSW and players had to come to Sydney to have a career, Queensland deserved it. The Amco Cup, City v Country and Origin were all an opportunity for players to be seen. Origin gave Queenslanders players to be proud of because they were Queenslanders. It allowed Wally Lewis to start a legendary career without having to move to Sydney. It was a time before there were any Queensland teams. NSW didn't need Origin. In a NSW-centric competition, people identified with their teams and rivalry was across suburban lines rather than state lines. Queenslanders in your team were just players in your team. I have seen people say that for them it's Queensland, Australia then their club team. I think in NSW it's Club team first - that is why we don't 'get ' Origin. That is the reason why everyone proclaimed that Origin would be dead if NSW kept winning and yet it survived and flourished with 8 on the trot Queensland. No Queensland success = no Origin. We now have 4 Queensland teams, a Melbourne team and a Kiwi team. Players are no longer just from Queensland or the bush - our talent pool doesn't just identify as Queensland or NSW. Origin is no longer the 'best of the best' because it excludes way more than it includes. Eligibilty is confusing. Rugby League is now bigger than if you are a Queenslander or a New South Welshman. If the NRL wants to expand across Australia and further in to NZ and ther Pacific, you can't have a centerpiece that excludes the very areas you are trying to grow. We no longer have the Amco Cup or City v Country. Origin hasn't been a serious audition for test selection for years. Players are selected as much on their form in season. Origin is over 40 years old. It's been a huge success and we've all enjoyed it ( even when our team has lost). Maybe it is time for it to bow out with a flourish rather than fading away?
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
Assume David Warner must be a blue, laughing after getting out, no pride anymore.
Rellum
Roar Guru
A Roy Shoulder would be enough
David Roderick
Roar Rookie
I'd be quite happy to see Bairstow run into a Les Boyd elbow.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Indeed, but I would probably give an Origin loss to beat the Poms tonight
sheek
Roar Guru
Nat - I'm not but I can still comment on it. It's still a free country until you commies run it over...
RedcliffeFan
Roar Rookie
I will never lose interest in Origin - it's a magnificent beast. And I will never tire of Qld beating NSW. A clean sweep is rare and a thing of beauty.
Nat
Roar Guru
Thought you weren't watching SOO?
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
bring back the bif, who didn't love to see the 1st scrum! reckon that'll bring some excitement back from the fans. Of course we've got that grub Gallen to thank for the current state of affairs
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
fair to say 99% of ex footballers should never be allowed to speak into a mike - unless they're the one being interviewed
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
that's nothing - try listening to SOO with that twerp Ennis behind the mike - brutal. They are trying to copy the Yanks too much with all of this razzamatazz & crap before & after. they've made the game now more about listening to Smith, Thurston, the boringest voice ever - Cronk or the host who never lets a guest get a word in edgewise - Sampson, instead of the players on the paddock.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
rather watch Origin than cricket, even if it is beating the Poms
U
Roar Rookie
It’s always dead when the blues are getting embarrassed
danwain
Roar Rookie
Seems like NSW gives away their games, but Queensland always retains their two no matter what. No drama with Queensland not giving away a game, my issue is NSW giving away their game!
David Roderick
Roar Rookie
If NSW do embrace the all-star concept, my money will still be on Qld because as the old saying goes, an all-star team will always beat a team of all-stars.
Redcap
Roar Guru
I'd love to see the eligibility criteria loosened so it essentially becomes an 'all-stars' exhibition match, a watered-down and båßstårdìséd version of itself that nobody takes seriously. Fingers crossed. ∞