The Greatest Show on Earth was missing a bit of the 'Greatest Show' aspect last night. It was a beatdown of historic proportions - was on track to the be the highest winning margin ever until NSW got a consolation try (Kiwi Sports Blog went to bed in the 77th minute and missed it). The game ended 34-6, and the series is won by Queensland for the fifth year in a row.
I suppose as a Queensland supporter, I should be happy, especially since there were even a few good fights, but as a New Zealander I have no loyalty to the team beyond the fact I've followed them for years. For that reason, most of the time I want to see a good contest in Origin, not five straight years of dominance and dead-rubber third games (only in 06 and 08 have the third games decided the series in this Queensland dynasty). A friend of mine texted saying "Origin is dead, the Anzac test is a better contest now" - and during the game Sterlo and Gus were constantly saying they don't see any way NSW is going to turn it around and challenge the Maroons. Maybe it's true, maybe international league is on the up (like this great deal - double header at Eden Park), but, somewhere, deep down in my heart, I still want Origin to be the biggest stage, the closest contest in league.
Anyway:
- I feel for a number of Blues who have given it all and have had to suffer through all of this. Matt Cooper is a warrior, and watching him get injured was tough. Kurt Gidley, even though he is out of his depth, is fearless and constantly steps up to the task - he reminds me of many other courageous captains of losing teams (such as Stephen Fleming and Jono Gibbes with the Chiefs). Nathan Hindmarsh, who gives you exactly what you expect out of him every time, but it isn't enough. The same with Ben Creagh.
- However, I don't feel for a number of other Blues, whose misery and futility I find great joy in. Dirty players Paul Gallen and Luke O'Donnell, primadonnas Jarryd Hayne and Michael Ennis, and, of course, Jamal Idris. I definitely don't feel for Craig Bellamy.
- Mitchell Pearce is going to have a rough few years. He is the pick of the young NSW halfbacks, and could develop into an Origin staple. But he has to be given time to develop, and he has to bear the criticism that will inevitably fall on him with the losses. Sterlo pointed out that in the 3 years from 2003-05 that NSW won 3 straight, Queensland persisted with the same core group of players, despite the calls for change. This is something NSW has definitely not done these last five years, blowing up the team every other game. Partly because there was never anyone good enough to build around. But with a young core now of Pearce, Morris, Weyman, Creagh, Learoyd-Lahrs, and (sigh) Idris, maybe they can start the rebuilding.
- Once again, Sam Thaiday dominated, both on the ball and in the fights. He is having some sort of season, and as a result, the Broncos are still somehow in the hunt.
- Israel Folau seems to do everything with a smile.
- If this isn't a sinbinning, then nothing is. Who knows what the score would have been if NSW was reduced to 12? 50 point margin?
- Darius Boyd does not enjoy scoring tries.
- What on earth was debutant Beau Scott thinking? Sure, he was good on defence in stretches, but that doesn't mean you go pick a fight with Greg Inglis. GREG INGLIS!! Have you seen how big and strong that guy is? Beau Scott is messed up in the head.
- On the topic of Greg Inglis, he is quoted on NRL.com as crediting the win to Queensland's "mateship". That's an interesting word. Also, did you know Inglis is only 23? Hopefully he stays in the NRL for his career, because watching him is a joy.
Any change to the Queensland side would be sacrilege, since everyone is saying this is the best Queensland side in history.
So KSB should be cheering. But if the fifth championship ends up killing Origin, there will be tears.
Get 'em, Jonathan
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