Sporting Declaration: The Origin domination and why we need Nathan Ross

And, no, this won’t be one of those pieces discussing whether NSW can end Queensland’s dominance, if the Maroons’ ageing side can do it again, who has the mental edge, underdog status, the right culture (whatever that means) etc etc.

You’ll all get enough of that – if you haven’t already – well before Game III on July 12.

In about seven years on the sports sub-editors’ desk, I certainly had enough.

The stories, usually starting with Joe Bloggs stating his case for Origin selection, seem to kick off earlier each year, and reach saturation stage in the lead up to game one.

With the opener next Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium, we’re right in the thick of it.

And rather than pretend to offer an expert opinion or another tired and tested angle, here’s something a little different to touch on about what the annual series means to the fans. Because, let’s face it, the tidal wave of stories each year wouldn't hit without the interest to justify it. Supply and demand.

Well, here goes.

My first memory of State Of Origin wasn’t watching a game, it was Dad missing the birth of my brother to see one live.

A dead rubber, in Queensland, that is.

The year was 1985. NSW had claimed their first series win in Sydney in game two. Blues skipper Steve Mortimer had already written himself into Origin folklore with his heroics and post-match celebrations.

But when Uncle Mick – not an actual uncle, but Dad’s best mate – called to say he and the Cessnock crew of characters Wayne spent many a crazy time with were off to Brisbane to watch game three, Origin fever was still well and truly alive.

Now, I was only seven, and Dad died 16 years ago now, but Mum was able to assure me this week that the memories were true.

“He said, ‘you’ll be right, you’re not due for another four or five days yet,’” Mum recalled with a laugh.

So off he went, the day before the game mind you, to Brisbane.  

Wayne was a Queensland supporter from NSW – the kind that does that just to stir up his mates that are Blues fanatics. Those that knew him would expect no less.

The Maroons won 20-6 so it was no doubt a good trip, but while he was celebrating, Mum was at the hospital with Aunty Barb bringing Paul into the world. My sister, Rachel, and I were home with our older cousin, Jodie.

Dad would later say, “it’s not my fault, I told her not to have it while I was away.”

Different times, I know, and the story probably says more about Wayne’s love of the punt, beer and rugby league on the road with the boys than anything, but Origin certainly has a pulling power like no other sporting event, in NSW and Queensland at least.

After uncertain beginnings in 1980, it has steadily grown to dominate the rugby league landscape.

Maitland’s St George legend, Eddie Lumsden, a NSW selector for the first 20 years of Origin, touched on the success of the series when Sporting Declaration spoke to him two weeks ago about the demise of the City-Country concept.

“I helped pick the first State of Origin team in 1980,” Eddie said.

“We played in Brisbane and they threw bloody cans over the fence at us.

“Beetson jobbed Cronin and that was the start of State of Origin, and they said it wouldn’t work, teammates playing against teammates.

“Cronin was there and Beetson let fly with one, and that was it.”

Mate versus mate, state versus state. Tribal warfare. And just about everywhere you turn for the next seven weeks, that will be the story, so no more here.

Given this is my last Sporting Declaration for the foreseeable future – Robert Dillon is back next week – I’m breaking ranks and allowing myself a second topic.

Nathan Ross and favourite sportspeople.

Last week, the Newcastle Knights winger was dropped to reserve grade for going on the record about his contract situation. 

Earning a relatively poor wage compared to some of his lesser-performing teammates, Ross believed he deserved a better deal than the one he’s on, which ends after next season.

Most would agree, as do I. But, as many have pointed out, he signed the deal he’s on, the club gave him the chance to prove himself and perhaps he should have taken a different approach.

The big shame is that Ross, a light in the dark during a horror period of the club, could lose the spark that made him arguably the Knights’ most popular player.

Ross has been quality on the field but invaluable off it. Honest, passionate, funny and down to earth, he has been a breath of fresh air in a world choked by fearful, managed and cliche-programmed sportspeople. He’s the lovable larrikin you played next to, the guy still living his dream and not afraid to show it.

Which brings me to favourite sportspeople.

It’s been doing the rounds on Facebook, you may have seen it. The copy-and-paste post where you list your favourites across a long list of sports. It started popping up, for me at least, around the time Ross was in the news.

There’s common picks you would expect. Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer. Modern greats who have wowed with their feats and skill. 

Equally, though, are selections based on qualities other than achievements alone. Great examples have been Seve Ballesteros and Pat Rafter, who won multiple majors but could not be considered the greatest ever in their sport.

Like with Ross, fans appreciate characters. Players with passion, humour, determination, humility, honesty. Players we want to cheer for. Let’s hope we don’t lose another one.