I haven’t lived in my home state of Queensland for more than 10 years. Before that, I felt like most of my life was in some ways a mission to escape its lack of eating options after 8pm, coffee available after 2pm, aversion to daylight savings and crippling humidity. I now reside in Melbourne, after living in Sydney, but for three nights of every year, no matter where I find myself, I’m a QUEENSLANDER to my core.
Of course, I’m talking about State of Origin, a match the Cockroaches merely play but which we Cane Toads live and breathe. In Brisbane’s business district, it would be odd not to wear a Maroons scarf in the office or have a supporters shirt subtly peeking out underneath a business shirt; that is of course unless you’ve chucked a state-sanctioned sickie because we won. Again.
L to R: Winners, losers. Credit: Getty/Twitter
I never witnessed this same passion in Sydney. Most of my colleagues weren’t bothered by the game. I’d see the occasional Blues jersey boarding a peak-hour train – a little peek into New South Wales Origin culture I reported back to my Queensland comrades from enemy territory. “They don’t care about it here, it’s so weird. No wonder they lose.”
Where’s your passion, New South Wales? A picture of Gladys holding a can of coke in a weird room shared to Twitter – is that it?
Ok, ok, I admit you might simply have better things on. Maybe you’re out enjoying everything we lack up north, such as your famous Opera House, your fancy restaurants and your cosmopolitan nightlife. Perhaps there are other events in your calendar other than yelling profanities at a TV. Although I’m sure in the regions, there is more hype.
But in Queensland, downtown or distant, the hype is real and sometimes better than the actual game. The lead up is a chance to reconnect with those at home. Just yesterday, my brother shared that Mark Coyne Origin try from 1994, famously called by Ray Warren, in the family group chat.
Followed by “What’s everyone doing for the game? Just showed this try to my Grade 9s.” He teaches at a Melbourne high school, an Origin missionary in AFL heartland doing the Lord’s work, if the Lord was Wally Lewis. Which he is. Amen.
For Queenslanders outside our home state, Origin feels like the only time we can proudly wear our colours, fly our flag or speak with our real accents because, at most other times, saying you’re from Queensland is so often met with a stereotypical reply, repartee and judgment. We don’t all drink XXXX — although I’m partial to a XXXX Gold (there’s a difference). Some of us know what a Chablis is!
We get why you wouldn’t want to openly admit being from Queensland when many of our notable exports are a little oddball – think Pauline Hanson, Bob Katter and Clive Palmer. Sure, there are some colourful personalities doing a lot of our reputation’s heavy lifting, but have you heard about our rugby league heroes? Meninga, Lewis or Beetson? “Well, if you’re ever in town, make sure you go and see their bronze statues outside Suncorp Stadium,” she says with delayed embarrassment.
There’s definitely a different culture up in Queensland. It’s relaxed, it’s early – the sun creeps through the blinds at 4.45am, and it’s small. If I go to my childhood shopping centre, I will no doubt see someone I went to kindergarten with, whose mother used to babysit me and who now has a child playing in a footy team coached by my cousin. Brisbanites say they’ve moved on from their big country town status but, sorry, it’s still exactly that.
That’s more like it. Credit: Fairfax Media
But on State of Origin nights, this is what we celebrate. Our small-town roots. Our passion for our rugby league team. The pride we have in our state. It’s a time to remember where we grew up and pay homage to our state’s undeniable spirit. And it’s also a good excuse to get together with mates and have a few. At least, judging from your (now-ex) premier’s Twitter pics, we have mates to watch it with.
Even before Wednesday’s game on home turf we are one-nil up and already smiling. How are the Blues going to pull off a win in the belly of the beast, with the weight of the Queensland spirit coming from all corners of the country?
To my NSW friends who, let’s face it, probably have dinner reservations and couldn’t care less, I’ll act like you are somewhat interested and wish you good luck. You’ll sure need it.
Lizzy Hoo is a stand-up comedian, writer, actor and presenter.
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