Rivalry Reaches Boiling Point Ahead of Origin Decider
As the pressure builds ahead of the pivotal State of Origin rugby league showdown, pubs across Queensland and New South Wales are alive with rivalry. With the series on the line, tonight’s game could either keep Queensland in the fight or hand NSW their first 3-0 clean sweep in nearly twenty years. The stakes are higher than ever, and tempers are flaring across both sides of the border.
The Most Hated Fan in the Pub
The sledging is fierce, and neither Maroons nor Blues fans are holding back. But among the Queensland faithful, there’s one type of supporter who receives even more disdain than a proud New South Welshman—the NSW-born Maroons fan. These are the people Queenslanders can’t stand the most, and no amount of loyalty chanting can earn them forgiveness.
Sid the Self-Proclaimed Queenslander
One such fan, Sid Wayne-Kerr, has become the local punching bag at his Betoota pub. Claiming to have supported Queensland his whole life, Sid now finds himself under scrutiny after it was revealed he was actually born and raised in Coffs Harbour—a proud NSW territory—only moving to the Gold Coast in his final school year during the Maroons’ historic eight-year winning streak.
No Redemption in the North
“Haha come on your mighty Maroons!” shouts Sid in the pub, trying to blend in with the Queenslanders before kickoff. His enthusiasm is met with immediate rejection. “F* up Sid,” replies his mate Moggy, who, like the rest of the crew, sees Sid as the ultimate imposter. “How can you sit there and lie to yourself?”**
Origin Loyalty is Sacred
The betrayal runs deep for the locals. Supporting the Maroons means something spiritual—it’s tied to geography, identity, and legacy. Being a Queenslander is more than fandom; it’s tribal law. As another mate, Hanno, puts it, “You’re a traitor to your state of origin. It goes against the whole f*ing concept of this entire thing.”**
Pretenders Are Worse Than Rivals
For these rugby league purists, it’s worse to be a fake Queenslander than a genuine Blue. You can hate the opposition, but to pretend you were never one of them? That’s the true sin. “My enemy’s enemy is not a friend,” Hanno reminds Sid, encapsulating the unforgiving essence of Origin loyalty.
The Culture War Beyond the Field
The chaos and banter reflect how serious this rivalry runs in Australian sport. And while the match may decide a champion, the pub wars continue to expose the raw emotion that defines State of Origin culture.
