Joel Selwood in the Big V in 2008.Credit: Vince Caligiuri
Selwood, who played his only origin game for Victoria against the All-Stars in 2008, admitted he had mixed feelings about the AFL’s decision to drop the concept, with the exception of occasional charity games, compared to Origin becoming the NRL’s most watched games of the year.
“It probably didn’t justify where [AFL] State of Origin was the decades before – I think of Gary Ablett snr and Tony Lockett in the forward line for Victoria against a South Australian side that was quite dominant,” Selwood said.
“When I saw game three last year, the first three minutes, and I think of the investment of being a 34-year-old, I’m going, ‘Geez, I’m glad I’m not putting my body out there’. There were three concussions if I remember correctly. That’s game-changing and season-changing for the sides that they are going back to. That’s really hard.”
Despite Origin’s enormous financial value, Selwood asked Slater how clubs hadn’t put a stop to Origin given the injury toll it took on players.
“I think when you use your head too much, and you think about it too much, it becomes like that,” Slater said.
“I think in our game, the players use their heart and think with their heart and that’s where it’s got to _ it’s a double-edged sword and, sure, there can be some repercussions from playing representative football.”
Selwood also spoke of how the Cats were big fans of watching State of Origin and would often watch together at a pub and bond over a meal (no beers) and a hat draw on who would score the first try.
“We didn’t necessarily know the rules but knew the love of what these guys were going to play for,” Selwood said.
“I remember a couple of years ago, Felise Kaufusi scored the first try, and it just about brought the house down, so he’s always going to be a favourite down at the Cattery.”
The 2023 Ampol State of Origin is exclusive live & free on Channel 9 and 9Now this Wednesday 31st May at 7pm EST. For tickets go to nrl.com/tickets