Growing up in Sydney my father, brother and I quickly became fans of the game of Rugby League. Sure, it's not exactly a sport played worldwide, and the players aren't exactly raking in the millions, but it sure as hell is exciting to watch. But nothing is more exciting than State of Origin.
I've been a fan of state of origin since I was a kid. I would feel complete jubilation at the victory of NSW. Of course I cheer for NSW, this is where I have been raised for over 20 years. I couldn't picture living anywhere else, this is my home. That is why I have embraced the culture of state of origin. It's an event that displays a sense of pride and passion within people, whether or not they are fans of rugby league. To anyone from NSW who cheers for QLD just because they have been more successful in the past years, you can simply eat shit when it comes to origin. We can still be friends afterwards. Hahaha!
Anyways, onto Game 2. What a game! Fast-paced, few mistakes, decent refereeing contributed to an excellent flowing game. As a blues fan, I couldn't be prouder of the boys on their performance last night. They did the state of NSW proud and have restored our faith in them to actually win a series. It was great to finally see a sell-out crowd at ANZ. Eighty-two thousand! Wow! Even though a fraction of them were Queensland supporters, the sell-out crowd was great to see. It was great for the game and the sport. It has diverted our attention away from the infamous stories about players that constantly taint the game and let's us focus on Rugby League as a sport as opposed to just entertainment for the media.
Welcome back Ricky Stuart. Everything you had brang to the table has created a sense of belief in not only the players, but the fans. It's great that NSW have a coach that is commited to only one team. As good as Craig Bellamys record is as a first-grade coach, he wasn't right for the job. He found success with a team that breached the salary cap year in and year out. Not to mention his reluctance to provide proper intel on how to play against his beloved Storm players who represent Queensland. As for Ricky, he's all about the state he loves and has represented as coach and a player in the past. Noone can deny the knowledge he has obtained from his on-field experience, not only as a player, but as the halfback,the playmaker, the visionary who constantly has to read both the offence and defense of both sides.
Thank you Sticky for creating the right culture for the origin players to follow. I love the idea that Ricky Stuart introduced the idea of using loved ones to present the players their jerseys. It reflects a sense that the players have so much to play for, not just themselves. The gathering of family members, creates a stronger bond within camp as the players feel even more comfortable around one another. Ricky was criticised for shedding a tear in front of his players, but this simply displayed his genuine passion for the game, for the players and for the win. In the end, it helps create more of a brotherhood as opposed to simply a collection of players being used for their skills. Many of the boys this series echo the words, "we want to win for eachother". A line that overshadows doubts about the blues not being a team.
To the newcomer Will Hopoate and oldcomer Anthony Minichello, my hats off to you two blokes for proving me and other doubters wrong. I am one of the many who questioned your selection, and boy I'm glad you shut me up. As a rookie and a veteran, neither of you hadn't even played a game or origin in the last few years, yet on the biggest stage of them all you managed to score tries that got us the lead and got us the win. I am pleasantly surprised that you were able to replace two of our best from game one in Michael Jennings and Josh Dugan. Mini didn't play so mini, he was HUGE, he was brilliant. With 26 hit ups, he was only second to Captain Gallen in meters gained. Not only was he flawless under the high ball and in general defense, he constantly looked to insert himself in plays as he followed the play the ball all over the park. Whether he was a runner, a decoy, or a support player, he was everywhere and he was incredible. Looking back he could have finished with a hatrick if only Uate had passed him the ball at the right time during broken play. In the end, The Counts effort was rewarded as he sealed the win with a try off a great left-foot step from Jamie Soward. Great Performance boys, we would be glad to take you into battle for the decider at Suncorp on July 6.
The other 4 boys who weren't even around for game 1, did a phenomenal job. Jarryd Hayne, showed signs of brilliance in his footwork despite given limited ball. The versatile machine Kurt Gidley who covered about 4 or 5 different postions throughout the night, came off the bench made great decisions from dummy half and managed to have the 3rd most tackles in the blues side despite not playing the whole game. Anthony Watmough was devastating around the ruck, with his quick play and bulldozing runs, even filling in as a prop at times with the use of his toughness. And Luke Lewis, what can I say about the man who started as a kid on the wing when he debuted for the blues 8 years. Now he is a great forward with speed and ball skills and can cover 5 or 6 positions across the field. That type of player is invaluable off the bench. Not only did he score the first try to get us on the board from a perfectly placed bomb from Mitchell Pearce, but he made a couple of great tackles that absolutely destroyed Queenslands momentum. No tackle better than his try-saving tackle on Cooper Cronk after Darren Lockyer made a bust and found space close to NSWs goal line. It was one them moments as a NSW fan you think, "oh no, it's happening again! no!!!". The heart of NSW fans came to a momentary pause and nerves set in, and in comes Luke Lewis comes from the other side of the field to make Queensland surrender the ball after their 6 tackles.
I'll finish off with the captain Paul Gallen. What else is there to say? You are an animal and a machine! Gallen was perfect last night. Playing the whole 80 minutes as a prop! Out of position! AND as captain. I don't think captains are appreciated enough these days. Not only do you have to constantly discipline your players who may also have egos, but you have to question and talk to the referee in the right manner, run to the referee from wherever your position is, and ultimately make the right decision. Not everyone notices the other things Gallen did. He got between Michael Ennis 'The Menace' and the QLD players before any drama could develop. Sure we enjoy a bit of the biff, but NSW had all the momentum, and a stupid play would definately motivate the QLD players to hit back. Also, Gallen also milks a bit of time when he talks to the refs when disputing a call. This is crucial in giving his players some much needed rest at times, especially when the opposing sides would be getting repeat sets from penalties. It's a smart way to disrupt the flow and momentum of opposing sides.
So much attention surrounded Gallen as he used to be the guy you loved to hate. He's a bruiser, a workhorse, and before he was captain he was perceived as another trouble-maker looking for a fight. But look at him now. Not only is he a wise captain, he is the best second-rower in the game and now one of the best front-rowers despite being relatively short. He's simply remarkable.
Great Job Blues. Let's win game 3!
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