The NRL has abandoned the national anthem for the game’s biggest showpiece event, the State of Origin series.

It will be the first time in 40 years the anthem will not be played before the kick-off when the series begins in Adelaide on Wednesday night.

The independent commission made the controversial decision at a meeting on Wednesday after consultation with the chairmen of the NSW and QLD organisations.​

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  • Life goes on either way. Bigger issues in the world.

  • This reply was deleted.
    • Absolutely agree Slugg!

    • I disagree, it was fine last year etc. it appears its become more about politics than before and the NRL hide behind this. I get it that the game is not an international match but the NRL claims to be a national sport. Its poor again in my view and typical of the stance they have shown; they are all about inclusion when they choose to be.

    • Agree.

       

  • Id prefer the old national anthem actually. 

  • And the problem is????????????

    It may be on National TV but is NOT a national event, it is a state v stae event and the athem was always superfluous imo.

    Intelligent decision imo.

    • Thanks Sir Col, again I disagree mate, its a national game. If that was the case why was it ok to have prior to this year?

      Its more about not upsetting some of the precious players who choose not to sing the anthem, and this again is wilting to this PC rubbish. Then do not have the acknowledgement of country, its simple as we are often reminded that its meant to be 'aboriginal land' when its clearly not. Its Australian land. 

    • The assembly at my sons primary school has the national anthem. Pretty sure it's not a national event either, yet they still do it. They do the welcome to country too. I don't have a problem with either.

      • Same MeelK; if you do one, you do both, but lets see.

      • Are they still doing welcome to country for SOO?

        If so then I will change my stance and support Mitchy - if, on the other hand they simply get out there to play footy then I do not see the problem

        @Mitchy, The PC as I see it was having the anthem in the first place. Having the anthem for all and sundry events belittles it imo.

        I am a Loud and Proud Aussie mate, but the overuse of the anthem reduces it's significance.

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