State Of Origin

[Ron Manager]

Every second car has a maroon flag on it and every other person is wearing a maroon shirt. Yes, it's that time of year again as Queensland plays New South Wales at Rugby League in the State Of Origin series. Mad to imagine I know but this is HUGE here. The best way I can describe it is to say it's a bit like when England are playing in a World Cup or Euro Championship, the whole place works itself into a frenzy about it and gets behind the team.

Because it's a 'local derby' in effect the passions are high and Suncorp Stadium will be rocking tonight (sold out in minutes too, so I'll be watching on TV).

If you're in front of a TV and it's on have a little look. I'm not a real League fan myself but as a sporting spectacle it's worth seeing.

 

[Uncle Leo]

Off to the Shepherd's Bush Walkabout for this one; should be a great atmosphere. Hoping the Blues can make a bit of a series of it this year, not that I think they will

 

[Ron Manager]

Off to the Shepherd's Bush Walkabout for this one; should be a great atmosphere. Hoping the Blues can make a bit of a series of it this year, not that I think they will

Yeah, the Maroons are overwhelming favourites. Even as an adopted Queenslander I must admit I'd love it to go down to the wire as in recent years it's been very one-sided. It's been a good year for Queensland sport so far (Roar men and women were champions, the netball team won their league last week, the Rugby Union team is having it's best season in decades) so hopefully that will continue tonight.

 

[Stats]

My Bro's over from Brisbane at the moment so no doubt we'll be sat in front of the box this morning watching it.

 

[Ron Manager]

It was a good game. Closer than expected but when one side effectively has the 3 best players in the world in their lineup (Thurston, Slater and Lockyer is a bit like having Messi, Ronaldo and Villa in the same side in football terms) then they are always likely to nick a score when they need it. Which is exactly what happened with those 3 combining to get the winning try with less than 10 minutes left.

Have to say though, James Blunt as pre match entertainment!?!? What were they thinking? The average Rugby League fan in Queensland thinks AC/DC is the height of musical sophistication so why they booked some poncey, posh **** to sing I'll never know. If I'd have been there that would have been the cue for a quick trip to the 'heavies bar' and one last beer before the match started.

 

[Uncle Leo]

Have to say though, James Blunt as pre match entertainment!?!? What were they thinking? The average Rugby League fan in Queensland thinks AC/DC is the height of musical sophistication so why they booked some poncey, posh **** to sing I'll never know. If I'd have been there that would have been the cue for a quick trip to the 'heavies bar' and one last beer before the match started.

I was surprised by that too, but it seemed to go down quite well with the punters at the Walkabout.

Really enjoyed watching a game of such high quality, even if my bet on Queensland to win by at least 6pts failed to come off. Always fun having the first beer of the day at 1050 as well!

 

[Stats]

Surely booking Rolf Harris to do a medley before the game would of been a better choice.

 

[Ron Manager]

I was surprised by that too, but it seemed to go down quite well with the punters at the Walkabout.

Really enjoyed watching a game of such high quality, even if my bet on Queensland to win by at least 6pts failed to come off. Always fun having the first beer of the day at 1050 as well!

I'm not a League expert or huge fan by any means but when you live here it's hard not to get caught up in the excitement of Origin (I actually jumped up and cheered when we scored that last try last night). It's clear to see though that this is the pinaccle of world Rugby League, actually a higher standard than internationals. The intensity and pace is just breathtaking.

 

[Ron Manager]

Queenslander! After NSW levelled the series in Sydney it's back to Brisbane for the decider in an hour. Come On You Maroons!

 

[Jonny_Stokes]

NSW got absolutely mauled this morning. Not sure I've seen an opening half an hour of a RL match so unbelievably one-sided.

Still, at least that ******* Lockyear is finally retiring - might give the Blues more of a chance next time out.

 

[Ron Manager]

One woman was so keen to see Locky's farewell speech she couldn't risk making a trip to the bogs in case she misses it (warning, NSFW)

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