State of Origin really should be just held in Queensland and NSW. So im glad its being held in Townsville (coming from a NSW fan). It’s the STATE of Origin. Melbourne and other states shouldn’t get it. Id rather have the NRL Grand Final moving around the country, rather than this.
Yeah but this is what I hate about things that are 3 matches, like SOO or the Bledisloe Cup. Queensland gets one match, NSW gets one and there is one neutral match. But Bledisloe has one in Australia and two in NZ. It becomes unfair to the team that doesn’t get two home games. There should always be a neutral game in all things.
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I think I have to disagree on both counts.
One game out of 3 each year should be at a neutral venue, and a good opportunity to increase interest in rugby league in the AFL states (and at least they haven’t tried taking it overseas again yet, like they did with Los Angeles in 1987 as a 4th game that year).
As for the Grand Final, I’d rather see it stay in Sydney, much like how the AFL Grand Final should remain in Melbourne.
Yeah, i can see where you two are coming from.
We certainly do need to grow the game into South Australia and into Western Australia. That is a certain.
Agree, that luckily we havent taken the SOO overseas again. lol. That 1987 game to the LA didnt help.
I’m in two minds for the Grand Final. Yes, i love tradition. But want the game to expand (and Stadium Australia is the home to about half the Sydney clubs too. lol)
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While a controversial move, I think this year’s State of Origin being played in Townsville is going to be a great thing for the game up there.
Sure, it means Queensland getting two Origin matches this year. But the first one is being given to a region (North Queensland) which otherwise would not receive a major sporting event of national significance, compared to the major capital cities where they’re a dime a dozen.
If Origin 1 is a sell-out and the TV ratings go through the roof (both will most likely happen IMO), then I think you’d have to consider this last minute relocation a success.
It wasn’t always that way with State of Origin though…
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I know, but that’s the way it should be.
Also, the neutral match will always be the first, as then it’s still an open series, whereas a dead rubber, or one team beating the other 50-4 the game before, would not draw as big a crows.
Again, why not have it in Scone? 
Isn’t that something you eat?
It’s named for the place in Scotland where they crowned their kings and queens. 
It’d go down a treat - big time rugby league stripped back to the base essentials. People will be hanging off the rafters…and trees…and rooftops… 
Rugba leeg unplugged.
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Just saw Phil Gould and Ricky Stuart walk out of a Sydney pub.
No sign of the Thursdsy night footy on TV at the pub here yet, kick off only 2 minutes away… maybe that’s why… there’s only one TV and it’s showing basketball.
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how…?
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There are ways if you Google it up.
I hope the kid just says enough and comes into the world during Origin just to bugger her up.
Support for the maroons works in mysterious ways
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My aunt was having contractions during the 2001 GF and my uncle told her to cross her legs and hold on for dear life so he could finish watching the Knights win. Capree was born 4 hours later. Mum and Bub were fine
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Not Bill(y) after Peden? or Joey?
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The damage has already been done being related to Knights fanatics like that
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That’s harsh. 
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Penrith’s 12 game unbeaten start to the season has come to an end, going down 26-6 to the Wests Tigers.
Whilst the Panthers had 7 players unavailable due to Origin, they sorely missed the direction and creativity in attack from Cleary and Luai.
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