Here we are. Just hours away until the big one. My thinking hasn't changed, I still think the Blues will win tonight. Its going to be a classic!
Which team is willing to endure more to win the game?
Who is willing to risk long term injury to win?
Who is willing to bleed for their state? Who is prepared to go to places inside themselves they didn't know existed?
Whoever can answer all of these questions will most likely come out on top. Origin is won on guts, heart and determination. You hesitate, you lose. If you don't back yourself, you lose. Thats how close it is, both teams are that good one error can decide the match.
I remember Michael De Vere splitting his head open and getting stapled on the sideline to try and get himself back into the action and help his team mates.
There is footage of 'Mr Perpetual Motion' Ray Price after a game in 1984 collapsed on the dressing room floor covered in mud not being able to get to his feet to change out of his playing gear.
Shaun Timmins in 2004 playing out of position at five eighth. Its extra time, he gets the ball 40m out and slots a field goal kicking with his wrong foot. His knees were so bad he knew going into the match it would be his last game. He couldn't even run some days but he always got up to play Origin. A childhood hero of mine.
Bob Linder played a game for Queensland with a fracture in his ankle. Meninga broke his arm, Alfie broke his leg and Fatty Vautin had a heavy concussion, all in the same game. It was game 2 in 1989 and QLD finished the game with 11 players on the field, still able to win the game on the back of Wally Lewis magic. Heart and determination got them over the line that night.
I remember Paul Bowman tearing his ACL and somehow getting to his feet to make 2 more tackles before he was taken from the field. He was willing to risk long term injury and possibly his career to help his mates. It was something I won't ever forget. Bowman was one of those guys who wasn't gifted with speed, strength or natural ability but he gave you everything you had. A true Origin player.
There will be casualties in this game make no bones about that. Whoever keeps grinding away and takes their opportunities will get the job done.
Its mono e mono, who's the toughest? Who's the baddest?. Its a promotors dream! This game will break television records. 52 and a half thousand people will be there on the night and say in years to come, "I was there when we won 7 in a row" or "I was there when NSW won and bought the shield back south of the Tweed"
Which one will it be? Tune in tonight, you are sure to watch history.
