There’s no doubting the prestige and novelty of the NRL’s State of Origin series.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It’s arguably the biggest Australian sporting event on the winter calendar, and has built a formidable reputation on the back of a rivalry spreading well beyond the white-lined boundaries of Suncorp and ANZ stadiums.
Two contrasting teams, blue and maroon, representing the sporting pride of two heavyweights on not just the Australian sporting scene, but almost every aspect of the national landscape.
No other Australian sport does it better.
The AFL abandoned its state of origin concept 20 years ago, after popularity from fans and player waned.
Yet the three-match annual series continues to divide tribes, even beyond NSW and Queensland borders.
There have been reports throughout the week suggesting the absence of past origin stars like Paul Gallen, Billy Slater and Jonathon Thurstan has made the lead up to the 2017 season series underwhelming.
Realistically though, origin has still found headline allocations on evening broadcasts, front pages on newspapers and ‘likes’ on social media.
Even a decade of relative non events featuring Queensland domination still produced the crowds and coverage to justify its status as the jewel of the ARL crown.
But can the appeal of the sport forever prop up the sport in Australia?
It’s no secret the NRL relies significantly on state of origin to prop up its TV deal coffers, and percentage of overall fan-based income.
The state of origin cash is the lifeblood of the NRL and the community and regional clubs the game supports.
Unlike the AFL, NRL club memberships, ticket sales and television numbers for regular season competition isn’t enough to make it a competitive rival with the country’s other major winter sporting code.
Which begs the question – how long can origin continue to prop up a struggling NRL?
While the relatively lukewarm interest in the 2017 state of origin series may seem like an overblown issue from the outside, NRL officials will be waiting with bated breath to see if this series’ popularity remains heading in the right direction.
The fate of the game seems to be relying on it.
What do you think? Let us know – ben.jones@fairfaxmedia.com.au
RELATED