The captain of New South Wales shares his experiences of growing up watching and loving State of Origin rugby league. And how, when he finally made the big stage, there was a part of him that still couldn’t quite believe it was all happening.
BLUE BELIEVER
I can remember watching State of Origin as a young kid; all I knew was rugby league. When I was a youngster, when Origin time rolled around, it was massive in our household. I can remember going to school and being so excited; couldn’t wait to get home to sit in front of the telly and watch it.
One of my earliest memories of Origin was when Danny Buderus raced down off the kick-off and put that hit on Shane Webcke back in 2003; it’s still one of my favourite Origin memories for sure.
I grew up in a little town called Old Bar on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. I went to school up there and mate, to tell you the truth, ever since I could remember, it was all about living and breathing footy. That’s all I ever wanted do to since I was a kid. I’ve loved it.
I’ve been born and bred to love that blue jersey of New South Wales – and to hate Queensland. That’s the way it’s been since I was a kid, and that’s the way it still is. That’s what makes State of Origin so great, that healthy rivalry that’s stronger than ever today. There’s not much else like it anywhere else in sport.
Related Articles
NRL dishing advice on how Matildas should handle Kerr
Women's State of Origin changes hands after thrilling match
