The Sporting Day: State of Origin Two

It is now or never for New South Wales. The Blues are at the cross roads. Failure tonight will signal not only the end of the 2007 State of Origin series and a continuation of the Queenslander legend but will see the end of some representative careers of some very loyal Blues servants. This game is that important, lifting it above the stratospheric heights of import that Origin usually means.

New South Wales need this. This is death or glory, as Joe Strummer would say. There will be no tomorrow. That is doubly true for the likes of Nathan Hindmarsh, Danny Buderus, Braith Anasta, Brett Kimmorley, Andrew Ryan, Jamie Lyon and Brett Kite. These stars- Origin legends who have been in the cauldron of state-against-state mate-against-mate football for what seems like time immemorial- will get no chance for redemption. Blues selectors will have no choice but to look to the future tomorrow if tonight does not go favourably. It will be time for the next generation and no name, no matter how steeped in Origin legend, will be safe.

So Blues players will not only be playing for the pride of their state and the chance to redeem the near-apocalyptic game one implosion but for their representative careers. They are all aware that there may be no tomorrow.

The same holds true for coach Graham Murray, who will leave the Origin stage for good if New South Wales cannot come good in 2007. He has been heavily maligned for his tactics and his substitution of key players but that will all be forgotten if Origin glory returns south of the Tweed. Failure to bring home that glory will see Murray unceremoniously axed and his legacy severely tarnished. And it could be the last breath of the old school.

Queensland, on the other hand, is reveling in the victory and the legend. Each come from behind victory adds to the Maroon mystique and further perpetuates the inferiority complex New South Wales have in terms of passion. They revel in their aggression and their desire and the legend that had its first stone laid by Arthur Beetson and has only been built up by the likes of Wally Lewis and Allan Langer and Billy Moore and Carl Webb and Gorden Tallis and Darren Lockyer. Each victory just solidifies the mentality that Queensland are the natural Origin victors because talent is always outplayed by heart.

New South Wales field a much better team than they did in game one. Greg Bird looks a natural Origin player with aggression and skill and work-ethic and the multi dimensional game that fits so well. Ryan Hoffman is also a positive inclusion who can create plenty out wide with his Menzies-esque play. And Brett Kimmorley will give the Blues direction and calm, two things sorely missing in game one. Queensland field virtually the same side with the same hot backline and the same aggressive forward pack. They add Carl Webb, a fierce warrior who has shone when wearing the maroon.

New South Wales also have the advantage of Telstra Stadium, a venue that now holds the same hoodoo for Queensland that Lang Park once held for New South Wales. The Maroons have never won there and have the weight of history against them.

All signs point to New South Wales squaring up the series. They are better balanced, the game is in their backyard and they have that little bit more desperation. Game two looks Blue.

© 2007 Jack Stockton