Bill and Brian discuss the big game in front of their service station.Credit: Gerry Kahrmann
Nonetheless, there are a number of Queensland supporters living south of the border.
These are the fighting words of Rick Smith, a 35-year-old linesman: “Queensland are the greatest football team that ever lived; it is not hard to find supporters around here. I live on the NSW side, but only by necessity. We try to bring a bit of decorum to this side of the border.”
Brian Quinn, a 59-year-old farm labourer, is also a fanatical Maroons supporter and says he will never forgive his brothers for supporting the Blues. After all, they were born in Queensland.
“I wish I hadn’t saved them from drowning when we were kids,” he says. “New South Welshmen are all one-eyed. They will go down like the Liberal Party. If Queensland wins this one we will win the series.”
Of course there are many who don’t even regard Queensland as a State, just”the other place”.
Brian Quinn’s brother Bill, 47, a mechanic, believes that the Maroons are in for a drubbing. “Blues, no doubt about it,” he says of the result. “The Cane Toads are too vocal; they’re mad, they’re idiots, they’re so biased it’s not funny. They just can’t help themselves.”
It’s all amiable rivalry, but then again, perhaps not.
As in many small towns, the school teacher, on the NSW side, has the last word.
“It’s friendly rivalry but deep down we hate Queensland,” said Ralph Taylor, 40. “The bastards are jealous and when State of Origin gets up it really shows. NSW will go two up. Definitely. No matter what Wally does, NSW will weather the storm.
“Wally Lewis was the State of Origin, he was a great player, and he’s been a great leader, but he doesn’t have the same impact as a coach. We believe no matter what he does NSW will ride the storm.“
The next day, the Herald reported: “NSW staged a stunning second-half recovery to beat Queensland 16-12 in the State of Origin league match at the Sydney Football Stadium last night.”