Buttressing The Rivalry

'Maroons v Blues! The greatest rivalry in Australian sports!'

Really?

I guess it is at the moment.

Sure, the stats say the teams and records have been close since day one but will it sustain this? I doubt it. At the moment I would argue: Adelaide-Melbourne (A-league), NSW-Western Force (Super 14), and several AFL rivalries are biting at the heels of Origin for the title, with the A-League providing the biggest threat.

(Note: Does anyone else get the feeling the AFL and NRL are not taking the A-league seriously enough? I do, think about it. Would you rather be in charge of promoting a) the NRL; a league that has a debilitating drinking and drug culture, b) the AFL; a league that has a slightly less debilitating drinking and drug culture but no chance of expanding outside Australia, or c) a league that probably has a debilitating drinking and drug culture, but revolves around soccer--the most popular sport on the planet? Take your time)


For origin to buttress its grip on the title of 'best rivalry' several things need to happen--and NO its’ got nothing to do with the results. Heading into 'the decider' I have five thoughts.

1. There has to be some level resentment between the players involved

Seinfeld joked that the biggest problem with boxing was that the fighters have nothing to fight about, a statement all to true about origin in 2008. In the age of (real) professionalism it’s hard to get passionate about anything (except contracts) and I understand hating someone you could be playing/working/engaging in all night benders with in the future is not a reality, but the players could at least pretend.

Origin built itself on an level of detest between the players, and although we will never return to the glory days of Lewis v Geyer, watching players hug each other as soon as the whistle blows does not help.

2. Both teams need a player that the opposition fans can hate

It wont happen this year but its worth thinking about. This has been a fundamental part of origin's success. An origin contest is at its best when one player on each team embraces their role as the verbal dartboard. Ultimately you want this to be a outspoken figurehead within the team who epitomises everything about their respective state, but who is dominant enough to use that energy to shift into another gear and hit back at the crowd with his play.

Unfortunately, since the retirement of Tallis, Webcke, Joey, and Fittler, no one has stepped to the plate. Mason flirted with the role for a while until everyone realised he was out for numero uno; Carl Webb was enthusiastic when NSW's fans challenged him on his debut but never showed the ability to change the course of a game; Crocker took on the role (when he appointed himself), but no one took him seriously on the field and the NSW's fans saw right through it. That list has a common flaw, they weren’t leaders (Mason has transformed into one I’ll admit, but he has enough issues with the press as it is, so he wont ever be THAT guy).

(Note: Is Andrew Johns the toughest 'Joey' of all time? I've heard of tough 'Joes' and tough 'Jims', but i can't recall any tough Joeys.)

So who are the candidates?

Young guys. Young guys with talent.

For QLD I like Sam Thaiday or Dallas Johnson. Both those guys are physical forwards who sweat maroon and will represent the team for the better part of the next decade. Thaiday might be a little tame but he has time to grow into the role.

(Note: I have always thought it would be cool if Thaiday got a hair cut, strapped his head and wrists, and walked out of the tunnel Arthur Beetson style--pissed and chalked up. Wouldn't Suncorp explode? Wouldn't that scare the crap out of NSW? Rabs would have Australia's first on air orgasm.)

As for NSW, I love Anthony Tupou. His workrate is bordering on Fitzgibbon-ish, he does all the little things that change games (slowdown the play the ball, get square, support, and kick-chase), and he scares the hell out of me because he consistently extends the tackle count with his offloading.

Like I said, this is a look to the future so they would need to establish themselves as leaders at club level before they could take on this role, but the seeds are there.

I would nominate Peter Wallace because of his Bronco/QLD connection (rooting against a 'traitor' usually fuels the Queensland fans; Think Michael De Vere and his staple incident, Wendell Sailor when he went to the Waratahs and returned to Suncorp against the Reds) but I'm not convinced he will be a long term thing.

(Note: In case you were wondering: I think Mitchell Pearce will eventually take on the role. He is like Fittler with an angry side. When he learns to channel that energy into his play, watch out.)

3. Restore the colour!

Colour is the greatest exponent of emotion so why would the NRL move away from that identity by diluting the uniforms?

Go retro; One colour all over with white lettering and numbering. Nike stressed an emphasis on strong flat colours in their design of kits for the 2006 (soccer) World Cup and it made for a better viewing experience.

Sorry Canterbury, but it’s the 'Origin jersey (made by Canterbury)' NOT the 'Canterbury jersey (for origin)'.

4. Make the Origin busses drive along Caxton St to get to Suncorp

Since the days of Lang Park that single stretch of road has changed the course of series. It psychologically destroys the blues and lifts the maroons before they even get to the stadium. It has been a long term theory between my friends and I for a long time that origin has not been as good since they ceased that pre game ritual. The games played in QLD have lost a level of passion they had ten years ago. Greater passion means a greater rivalry.

Well that's all I have for now. If I think of more in the lead up to 'the decider' I'll post them. Hope this didn't suck too much.