Living in brisbane I found it interesting this week that there is very little excitement leading up to state of origin. Usually I would see lots of maroon jerseys in the city on my way to and from work yet this week and even today I have seen very little despite the game being played around the corner from my work. There are still plenty of seats available as well with offers of 2 for 1 priced tickets on offer despite Qld only having the 1 game this year. Even though many complain origin should remain in Qld and NSW I can't see interest and current prices resulting in anything other than 1 home game each and a neutral venue for the remaining game.
Has the retirement of Qld super star players seen the origin concept drop in interest. More star players are unavailable through rep retirement, being ineligible or injured than ever before and the concept of the best vs the best is no longer relevant. NSW are using their 3rd string half back who has set up less tries for his side than any other half and even less than some players not in playmaking roles. Then Qld have a half playing hooker showing lack of depth in key positions. International footy is on the rise and Sam burgess, Josh Hodgson and Taumalolo would be amongst the first 3 players chosen if eligible. Even the recent magic round seemed to generate more interest around town.
Before QLD went on their record breaking streak NSW had won 3 series in a row and people were afraid another win would see the end of origin with lack of interest from qld'rs, and although NSW have only won 1 series I can't believe the lack of interest up here already.
During their 11 year dominance people would bag me for wearing my blues jersey and try telling me why Qld would win despite only watching 3 footy games a year and knowing the names of only handful of players such as JT, Cronk, Smith, Inglis and Slater. They also knew Gallen but not unless word like grub or cheat where associated with the name. Today I asked some of the same people who previously bagged me to name some Qld players and they didn't know. Kevvie has not helped with lack of any real promotion in brisbane or storylines to entice fans this year under instructions from his coach whisperer.
Personally I think Qld can win tonight on the back of momentum from ref calls which Cleary wont be able to reverse. We are a much better chance to win in Perth and Sydney though especially if Adam Reynolds replaces Cleary. Hopefully we win tonight though then it could set up a possible 3nil series.
I wonder if Qld win today if the interest will lift for the remaining games. As for those who believe the NRL is a massive conspiracy group helping the storm and roosters win the comp, do you think the refs will ensure Qld win the series to try and keep interest alive north of the border for SOO?
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TL;DR - Queenslander's will begin to say origin is dead when the tides have turned (or even out). The expectation over the last decade (just over a decade) was that Queensland will win, now that we have a more level playing field, Queenslander's will no longer be so excited about it.
I may be old and out of touch, but my interest in SOO dropped when the new age skirt wearing approach to footy arrived. No longer a gladitorial battle, no longer State Vs State, Mate Vs Mate. No biffo, I loved it when blokes went out there and tried to smash eachother, I loved the cattledog call, I loved it when my former gym mate Mark Caroll would start throwing them and the scrum would erupt. The marketing teams spent years promoting the game by replaying the fights, now it's just a fast game of footy.
Ex footy players in the media try to talk it up, by saying things like "anything could happen, this could errupt" etc etc and we all know nothing like that will happen, that edge of your seats expectation that it will errupt at any moment is gone!
My Bob you old out of touch bum , I too am old and out of touch so therefore 100% agree with you . They killed Origin when the blood stopped flowing . I didn’t even watch the game as building my theatre room was more attractive to me .
Origin as built on the war mentalitity , the fans got behind it because they knew they were going to get something more . The lead up with the whole anthem thing just put a few more nails in it’s coffin . The fact those selfish pricks put their own agendas before the game shows that the passion for Origin is nowhere near what it was . I’m glad Cody walker played shit , and I’m glad we lost . Some young upstart who was yet to even pull on a jumper thought he was deserving enough to use the platform to make a political statement and they all got behind him pretty sums it up . It was a team divided from the get go .
Once upon a time he would’ve been a New South Welshman/ Australian first and blackfella second from the minute he was selected until the final whistle blew . Nobody gives a fuck if you sing it or not , but you don’t need to grandstand yourself about it .
As for the Queenslanders , now they won I’m sure they’ll be back on board for game 2 . They’re weak as piss up there when it comes to supporting a losing side .
Been dead for years. It shouldn't be contested every year but every 2 years
I agree, it seems that it is talked about nearly all season with talk about who will make the side and there is never a break from it. Every 2 years would build the excitement and make it a special event.
Unfortunately it rates well on tv and draws to much money so there is little chance of it only being every 2nd year.
So, if it rates well and makes a shit load of money, how can it be dying ?
Origin is an absolute beast, it is the absolutely highest standard of the game. It ain't going anywhere.
Brett it can still be dying despite rating well. I didn't say it is dead yet. I also should have said it not likely to be every 2nd year in the near future as the tv contracts are already locked in with guaranteed money. Even if viewer numbers go down over next year or 2, the historical figures are good so I think the next tv contracts will also reflect that. Beyond that with the rise of international footy and younger generation more likely to watch YouTube or streaming services I see origin likely to struggle and the 2 year concept could be what saves it. As per the comments such as it is no longer the benchmark game and bit like any other weekend game the only real attraction of origin will be the passion of supporters and it is much easier to get up and be passionate every 2nd year. Hell even the Socceroos get massive support every 4 years if make the world cup.
As for ratings they have been good and even if down on last year will still be a top rating show, but it will be interesting to see if the lack of atmosphere and excitement in brisbane is reflected in television viewers. Everyone loves a winner and even non sports fans in Qld got behind the maroons during their dominance. They are unlikely to be there tonight without the recognisable names or stick around unless the quality of game changes or Qld win.
I know Qld is only half the audience however if one side loses the passion especially Qld than the product of origin will most definitely decline.
Totally agree, Brett. Kick off is imminent and I'm pumped.
GO BLUES!!!!!!!
I am looking forward to seeing the game and there were quite a few getting around Springfield today in their maroons gear. But yeah I agree the level of excitement surrounding origin is not what it once was.
Yes there is a general lack of interest, and it seems to get worse each year. Mind you, if NSW won 11 series in a row that would be the end of Origin. QLD seems to only support the concept if it benefits them. If there is lack of interest in QLD, what will it be like in Perth? In the end though, the NRL will flog it as long as it is making money.
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