Like many, I am still smiling following Queensland’s win in the second game against the Blues in Perth last week.
Many things have changed since that first historic Maroons victory at Lang Park in 1980, but one thing that will never change and that is the dribble that creeps up from NSW following a Blues loss.
At the end of the day, Queensland finished the game with more points than NSW – end of story.
But here we are a week after the Perth event and still the whinging goes on.
It’s actually one of the main ingredients of a recipe that history has demonstrated, is one of the best sporting formulas in the world.
Wednesday, July 9 is shaping to live up to all the expectations of a tied up State of Origin game three – and in my opinion, following another Queensland series win, a level of dribble from NSW media like never before.
I’ve got to say that Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh must be giving coach Billy Slater and his Queensland selectors plenty of food for thought. I’m sure the Blues coach Laurie Daley, will be hoping Slater doesn’t pick him.
Walsh’s game against Cronulla on Sunday will have surely reminded the Queensland selectors the value he could add in the series decider in Sydney next week – what a player!
And what a player production line Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has developed. Playing against a full strength home team, the Panthers always looked in control against the Warriors.
I’ve been very impressed with the Warriors this year but Penrith, without their key Origin players, exposed them.
I have to share a totally different Origin story, and I tell with my tongue in my cheek.
A few years ago, I was invited to a special function in New Zealand as a judge in New Zealand’s “Steak of Origin”.
It was a great night, but among all those hardened Kiwi beef farmers I felt the pressure, maybe it reminded me of when I had the honour of being the Maroon’s coach in 1991-92.
Once you have coached, the fire never goes out, and you always feel the pressure!
