What a cracking Origin game that was?
Whether it was the pre-game smack talk or the referees’ instructions to keep the players back the ten, it was one of the better Origin games I’ve seen in a while.
You couldn’t ask for a better way to showcase rugby league to the curious viewer south of the border.
The Origin period did come with a downside though.
The best fans in the NRL didn’t have a club to watch last weekend and quite frankly, the NRL was poorer for it.
People can say what they like about the Raiders but you can’t deny their ability to entertain.
So instead of watching our boys put on 50 points against a less than worthy opposition, I chose to live through the old days.
Out came the Raiders Grand Final box set and it was time for a marathon.
While partial to the 1989 classic between the Raiders and the Tigers, you can’t help but marvel at the Raiders side of 1994.
If Daly Cherry-Evans is worth $10 million dollars, I shudder to think what the 94 Raiders line up would’ve been worth today.
Warren Buffet himself couldn’t afford a line-up that includes Daley, Stuart, Meninga, Wiki, Mullins, Nagas, Nadruku and so much more.
A phenomenal Rugby League side.
But from the good days of old to the good days of today.
We’ve had plenty of good times already this year and may they continue this weekend against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Make no mistake, the Cowboys will have a few sore bodies from Origin but they’ll be ready for this one.
They’ve already started the elite preparations such as declaring no jumpers to be worn during warm up. Yep, seriously. No jumpers.
Apparently wearing jumpers is a sign of mental defeat.
I don’t know where they think they’re playing but I won’t get out of bed in June in Canberra with anything less than my bodyweight in winter woollies on.
It makes about as much sense as banning water during warm up in Townsville.
Anyway, back to the footy. There’s plenty of reasons to get down to GIO Stadium this Saturday to watch the mighty Raiders run around.
Not only are the Raiders point scoring machines in day games, but you’ll get the added bonus of seeing the best halfback in the world strut his stuff in front of your very own eyes.
That’s right ladies and gentlemen, Sam Williams will be back in action to guide the best attacking team in the comp against the men from the north.
I can’t wait!
