Origin II: Why the series is so great

Origin II: Why the series is so great

[RUGBY LEAGUE] Origin II: Why the series is so great

Tomorrow evening New South Wales and Queensland will take to the field for State of Origin II and in doing so renew the 2007 Series. Queensland took Game I 25-18, coming back from 12 points down at halftime to overrun the Blues at Suncorp Stadium but face their most recent Origin hoodoo - Telstra Stadium. Since the Blues began playing there in 1999 - the only 'positive' result the Maroons have is a Game III draw in 2002 which helped them retain the Origin Shield by virtue of their 2001 Series win. In every other clash at the ground since the 1999 mudbath - NSW has won.

But the beauty of Origin lies not only on the field but off it - in the lounge rooms of New South Welshmen and Queenslanders alike. This time of year brings people who may not have seen each other for 12 months together for one thing - Origin football.

I went to a mate's house for Game I this year (and have frequented this residence due to the presence of a big big wide screen TV the last couple of series) but for Game II this year I shall be heading into Sydney's West South West to catch up with a mate of mine from High School. Not only will I enjoy it on his own big screen television but I'll get to see his lovely wife and 8 month old daughter which I hate to admit I haven't seen yet!

But thanks to Origin football - I'll quite happily make amends.

So you could say Origin football brings people together... but if that is too long a bow to draw - then I'll simply say Go the Blues!