State of Origin I Wrap-Up
QLD 28 def NSW 18
Let's be honest, there's only one way to sum this up:
QUEENSLANDER!!!
First of all, Phil Gould is annoying. He just talks nonsense. Like saying that Queensland "out-origined" New South Wales. It doesn't need all of that fluff around it. NSW just weren't good enough.
It's strange to think of Queensland as the favourites, because I'm so used to thinking of us as the underdogs. In fact I cannot think of any possible situation that would make me support NSW.
The first almost-try to NSW was a bit scary. We were watching all the replays and I was just thinking no, he's out, he's on the line, he's out. Thank goodness some sensible video ref also saw the truth! And then Billy's try (pic below) just a few minutes later was unbelievable. I actually thought that we'd missed it, but we didn't! Woohoo! Queensland in the lead, and that's where we'll stay, thank you very much.
We had a pretty good first half actually. There was one point where Phil Gould made the comment that Fatty was giggling in the commentary box. And we were giggling at home too! It was brilliant!
And then we scored just at the start of the second half. I love those tries that come out of nowhere. (Strangely enough, it's usually Queensland scoring these... I wonder why that is... ;-) ) NSW tried to make a bit of a comeback, and I'll admit, that I was a bit scared in the last 15 minutes. But then, as usual, we scored right at the end. In the 81st minute, which for an 80 minute game is pretty impressive.
The thing is, that Queensland just has more passion than NSW. They say that they want it, but we put everything and anything into winning the game. And it's that determination that sees us scoring in the 81st minute even though we'd already won the game.
What I also loved was the Melbourne crowd. Of course, Queensland crowds are the best, the Melbourne crowd was pretty good. Victoria doesn't necessarily like Queensland, but the important factor is that they hate NSW more! And with the roof of Etihad Stadium closed, the roar of "Queenslander" was even louder.
I can't wait for the next game now. Even if it is in Sydney, hopefully we can win it and wrap up the series. At the moment though, I have a silly smile on my face and an irrational desire to cover my manager's desk (he goes for NSW) with maroon paper and a big Queenslander sign!
QUEENSLANDER!!!