There is something quite special about State of Origin mornings. As crisp as a winter dawn can be, knowing that the cauldron of Origin is just hours away never fails to ignite the passions in those who bleed both maroon and blue.
It is a contest born of regional rivalry. The latte sipping, gluten-free munching southerners; arrogant and elitist in demeanour, up against the simple hillbillies from up north and their rather colonial lifestyle.
In reality, there is an element of truth in both stereotypes, as uncomfortable as it may be for some to admit.
What the players must feel and anticipate throughout the course of the day is hard to imagine. The physical intensity of an Origin encounter is, apparently, unparalleled. Players rise from the turf and make it to the next contest despite utter fatigue and exhaustion.
Later, they reflect on not quite knowing how they did it. But they do and the mate vs mate mantra that now cloaks the series is potentially the most logical reason why.
Who would have thought that an Arthur Beetson left-handed punch to the head of Mick Cronin at Lang Park in July 1980 would provide the foundation for decades of intense competition?
When Beetson led the Queenslanders that night, his actions turned the match into something far more than a game of football. For supporters of both states, State of Origin was to become as personal as any sporting contest in the world; as passionate as a World Cup football final, equally emotional as Olympic triumph or disappointment.
That passion is lived in the lead up to each series and only intensifies on game day. Queensland mocks the pretty boys from New South Wales, whilst hilarious memes of toothless banana benders fill email inboxes south of the border.
Up north, they prefer to reflect more on the history books and the full knowledge that Queensland has claimed Origin glory in 11 of the last 13 series’. That recent history is a key part to the build-up; a Queensland domination that almost became a threat to the Origin concept.
Excluding the Blues’ victory in 2014, the Origin landscape was in danger of potentially losing its lustre. The planets aligned for the Maroons and Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Greg Inglis wore the maroon jersey in the same generation.
With that quartet broken, Blues legend Brad Fittler re-invigorated the series in 2018 with his rather colourful and idiosyncratic approach to his teams’ preparations.
Hearing of the New South Wales players connecting with the earth during training and using meditation and mind activities to prepare for the contest must have infuriated the entire state of Queensland.
In their view, it was typical New South Wales, weak, soft and lefty behaviour. Yet Fittler’s Blues were compelling and had the series wrapped up after just two matches.
There was a distinct feeling in the air this morning that Origin was indeed back to its best and with a contest tonight that appears well and truly up for grabs and unpredictable, it is easy to see why.
Fittler backed fresh faces in 2019, men untarnished by previous losses and pulled off a stunning victory. That generational change is now also reflected in the Queensland team with Kalyn Ponga, Cameron Munster, Jai Arrow and Michael Morgan taking on key roles and a handful of debutantes ready to experience Origin for the first time.
It all adds up to a new feel, a changing of the guard and a host of new rivalries set to be forged.
Coffee machines and water coolers will provide their usual perfect forum for some friendly debate as the day unfolds. It is banter at its best when a maroon fan shouts “Queenslander” as they enter the lunchroom before a Blues’ fan then alerts them to the fact that they have two heads.
Let’s hope we can always see the fun behind the contest and laugh off such talk.
As the players attempt to control rampant nerves and agitation, the general public plans their trips to the local establishment to view the match. We prepare the salad and purchase the snags for the BBQ and maybe even chill a beverage or two.
The reason for the preparation is simple. Origin days are unique and sharing the moment with friends and family creates memories that last a lifetime.
That is a testament to the compelling concept that is State of Origin. Now, far more than merely a three-match series between two old foes, Origin sets the state-held bragging rights for 12 months.
Enjoy your night, however you choose to spend it. As usual, it will be something special.