Who else is sick of........

[Ray Stehr]

origin? Hijacking the premiership the way it does. It should be played when the premiership is over, Fu?&ING sick of it. Every league show on tv and radio crap on about it non stop for 3 months. To me it's a rude interruption to what is the most important thing that we follow and that's the comp, let's face it, the only people who really love it are the Queenslanders.

[Moose]

I reckon origin is better than christmas tbh

[RoosterFanNZ]

what the **** is the point of game 3 if the series is already won

[TheLoneRooster]

I have zero interest in shyte of origin and Boyd Cordner is fast turning into Paul Gallen if you get my meaning.

[rented tracksuit]

what the **** is the point of game 3 if the series is already won

Millions of dollars. That’s what.

[ism22]

what the **** is the point of game 3 if the series is already won

Money?

My crazy conspiracy theory is that Origin is all about Channel 9 getting their piece of the pie. They pay a lot of money for TV rights but the NRL is ostensibly run by Fox cronies (so they are not allowed to win the bidding process for full TV rights - NRL CEO was sacked last time that happened because Rupert huffed and puffed about it).

Channel 9 has a deal that they will get more of a QLD presence. They get all the Brisbane games and Origin games (otherwise they’d get very little advertising revenue - Fox gets subscription fees + advertising remember, so those Friday night primerime spots are less important to it).

Origin is basically a sweetener for Channel 9. You cut Origin and Channel 9 pulls out of the bidding process. Channel 9 pulls out of the bidding process, Fox bids less because they are the only competitor. Fox pulls out... 1/2 the NRL clubs cant pay their players and the comp folds.

Theres probably a NSWRL and QRL aspect too. Both still run parallel comps that cooperate with the NRL and support the legitimacy of the NRL. Both could get nasty if mistreated. Both demand access to NRL quality players during the season (to maximise crowds)... if not provided, a lot of things go to shyte.

So basically... Origin is small but its a crutch that helps keep the whole comp alive. It happens at a time of year that maximises profits and forces participation. Its the 1 time of the year when the old guard who are all VERY well connected in League circles (NSWRL, QRL, Channel 9) get their say. They will not stand for it becoming a small exhibition match. It HAS to be a big, mid-season rivalry.

[milanja]

I enjoy origin, always have.

travelled to the game last week, the amount of money it must bring in to the host city must be pretty significant too.

from accommodation, to food and drink in bars, clubs and hotels, to public transport, food vans, merchandise, it’s endless.

worst thing about ANZ is leaving the place, train line didn’t move, so walked towards the cab line, cabs were asking $170 to drive back to the city!! We walked about 15min to concord west station, and were on an empty train back in town not long after.

its not only a money spinner for the broadcasters and player, but to the community in general.

wouldnt be anywhere as popular after the season ends in my opinion.

[milanja]

I have zero interest in shyte of origin and Boyd Cordner is fast turning into Paul Gallen if you get my meaning.

A grub or a peptide fan?

[The Skeez]

It’s a tough one.. I see it both ways.

It’s the goose that lays the golden egg. Kill it at your peril. If the game wasn’t so broke, they might have more leverage to alter it but til then, carry on raking the the dollars in to the betterment of the whole game. It gains the biggest sporting audiences in the year, where the is bugger all to do on a cold Wednesday night in the middle of winter.

Could the game afford to break for 3-4 weeks in the middle of the season for a rep round of internationals and Origin? Have teams play each other once only, at the moment just 16 games? The NFL (which is NRLs ambition) has 32 teams who play just 16 games.

It needs strong leadership and great foresight to make such changes.. but there is talk.. Ultimately the tv networks pay the dollars for entertainment and eyeballs on ads.

Meanwhile, our captain misses a quarter of the season and our team (like others) struggles without their best players.

[Vasco]

I've been saying for a while now that origin ruins the NRL competition during this period.

I understand its value to the code. It's massive.

However, the AFL don't rely on these types of games. What are they doing that the NRL isn't? There's a question that could lead to a million answers.

The quality of football deteriorates and key players are missing for their clubs.

I haven't watched either game this year. In fact I am finding it harder and harder to watch games that don't involve the Roosters.

I can't remember the last time I watched a league program on FOX. Sacked Ch.9 years ago.

Maybe I'm getting old and senile like you Coggy!

[Johnny Brass]

AFL started state of origin but the clubs kept pulling the players out so the concept died, they seem to be managing ok without it.

[Kelby]

Origin is great this year. NSW won!

[Bondicigar]

Its great atm

[roosterchook]

I think it ruins the comp for sure. It should be moved the another time after the comp if they have to have it.

[Johnny73]

I'd paid zero attention to it after Roy and H.G. quit doing it until this year. I did play Lionel Rose as homage to them during the anthem.

Lionel Rose - "I Thank You"