State of Origins

There is a series of All-Star-like rugby matches in progress where rugby players play for their home state ... if their home state happens to be Queensland or New South Wales.  Apparently nobody gives a hoot about players from the other five states.  This series is referred to as the "Sate of Origin" and rolled through Melbourne last Wednesday.  Our mate Matt, a Queenslander, bought a group of tickets and LT and I were in.  Truth be told, the prospect of sitting amongst crazed bogun (redneck) Queenslanders and rabid snooty New South Welchmen was far more alluring than the game.  As we may have mentioned in previous posts, this form of rugby is essentially a game of Red Rover between large adult men.  Dodgeball might be interesting, Red Rover couldn't hold our interest as kids.  But these guys love it.  56,000 strong in Victoria for a meaningless game between two states not named Victoria.

So in support of Matt, we donned Queensland maroon shirts and hair and cheered on the Cane Toads.  We have no idea what happened, or who did what, all we know is we had a fantastic time with the crowd, Queensland won, and we both had very sore throats and hoarse voices the next day.

Me and LT in Queenslander gear

Our mate Matt and his lady-friend Mel (a closet New South Welschwoman.
She failed the loyalty test.)

The rest of the crew: Justin, Michael, and Sander

The great crowd divide.  Queensland in maroon, New South Wales in smurf blue.

QUEENSLANDERS!!!!!  The entire game LT thought we were cheering
"QUEENSLAND ROCKS"

I don't know why this is on our shirts

Queensland wins 18-10