Expert
Forgive me, especially if you lean in any way towards Queensland in matters of rugby league, but there are a few things I really want to see at Suncorp Stadium tonight.
After eight years of mid-season teeth-grinding, sheepishness and embarrassment bordering on torture, I have finally located the Maroons’ Origin grave. And I am bloody well going to dance on it.
The Roar Editor gave me special permission to write this type of ‘wish-list’ column. After such a drought, I didn’t need much prompting.
Rod Stewart once sang, “Tonight’s the night (gonna be alright)”. No, Rod, I say it’s going to be a damn sight better than ‘alright’. Laurie Daley’s NSW Blues are beautifully positioned to give it to the Smug-shine state in spades.
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We patient and respectful New South Welsh folk are baying for 3-0. It’s our time. We don’t want a whitewash as much as a blue rinse.
These are some of the things I want to see tonight:
I am eagerly awaiting this game – I do not see it in any way, shape or form as a dead rubber. The Blues have done superbly to win the series 2-0 but there will be a definite hollow ring if the Maroons can jag a win to make it 2-1.
It has been incredibly tough going for NSW over the past eight years. This truly magnificent Queensland team has somehow managed to find a way when it was most needed. Their champions rose to the challenge and the Maroons’ so-called dynasty was built.
But this is the time for the Blues.
A blue rinse, 3-0 series scoreline, would be deserved for a rebuilt team under a new coach with a striking new mindset.
I was a little flippant earlier in this column about what I would like to see tonight. Apologies, if I offended. Origin is fun, huh? But what I really want to see is a NSW win and the faces of those Queensland mates of mine the morning after.
I am thoroughly sick of the smirks and condescension. I want to see widespread teeth-grinding, sheepishness and embarrassment, bordering on torture.