What do you do when you are cockroach in cane toad territory?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Well when it comes to State of Origin, you try not to look nervous, and well, you act cocky.
“This year,” you say, “is our year. The year of the Blue, a new era.”
You dream of the legends past” Kenny, O’Connor, Grothe (both of them but especially Eric snr league’s most exciting player ever. At least in this Blue’s view) Stirling, Fittler, Johns, Benny? Benny… Let’s move on).
Or back.
I was born in Inverell, I grew up in Goondiwindi and I was a huge Parramatta fan
So even one of my idols, Artie Beetson couldn’t make me go for Queensland when that first State of Origin took place.
NSW was chock full of Parramatta brilliance.
Much like NSW over the years.
So then, how could this nightmare come about?
How could the Maroons beat us 10 out of 11 years and after Wednesday’s effort, there could very well be a few more years of pain.
The wrap-around try by Thurston was, pure magic and only adds to the call for him to named League’s best.
But let’s face it, it’s not the magic of the players, or the toughness which has made Queensland dominate Origin.
NSW has had tough hard men and still do.
Love him or hate him, Gallen is a perfect example.
Tireless and always prepared to put his body on the line.
He doesn’t deserve to go down as the captain who has lost more games against the Cane Toads than anyone else. (We’ll let you chase that stat up, but we’d put a quiet $20 on it).
The Blues have had the equal of Queensland’s best.
And yet, year after year, ever since that first wonderful match way back in 1980, we’ve so often, pulled up short.
Why?
It means more.
Ever since Arthur Beetson laced on a boot in 1980 and ran out on to the Lang Park cauldron.
Ever since Billy Moore ran down the race crying,”Queenslaaander” and which sent a shiver down Blue and Maroon supporters alike, but for different reasons.
Fear on one side, pride in the other.
Ever since Thurston and co chose to send Origin stalwart Corey Parker off in style at Suncorp, the game just means more.
NSW players and coaches will deny that, and they have good cause.
They are beaten not just by that Queensland determination not to lose, but by history and by the self-doubt which appears to creep into NSW, even those who should support them.
Commentator Phil Gould, another who some love to hate, is a perfect example.
The smallest NSW mistake is met with derision.
The Queensland team is exalted.
And commentators and pundits have done it for years.
Put simply, Blues and their supporters are their own worst enemy.
Ever hear a Queensland knock the Maroons?
Both sides, in their own way, perpetuate the Queensland myth.
Well this Blue has had enough.
Stop listening to the doomsayers and the knockers.
Stop listening to the inner voice which says Queensland grow fangs and spit Blue jersies, blood and NSW dignity and pride out at the full time whistle.
And grow a set.
And don’t listen to Phil Gould.
I’m just so sick of my 18 year-old daughter giving it to me every Origin.
Eighteen and she’s only had eight losses in her entire life, and most of those she wouldn’t remember.
Ah those bloody Queenslaaanders!