Tribalism

I can’t speak for Sydney, but the air I’m breathing in Brisbane this week is wafting with State of Origin fever. It is the best time of year to be a Queensland or New South Wales fan as the anticipation of another series slowly bubbles away.

The passion among the players and fans makes interstate football and is responsible for the three biggest nights of the rugby league year. What I have noticed this season more than ever is the tribalism and passion around our game at club level.

We love our club

As mentioned previously I’m a first time Brisbane Broncos season member this year, and I love it. Even though the club has lost more games than they have won, I still have a passion for the club. I ride every up, every down, every tackle, every bombed try, every bad call, every injury, every loss and every win.

I believe my club is the best and we can win every match, no matter where we are on the ladder, who we have injured and who we are up against.

This is exactly the same at every other NRL club in the competition. The fans love their club and it is this passion and tribalism that builds the game.

Opposition Fans

I don’t think there is a more satisfying moment as a rugby league supporter than wearing all of your gear and watching your team win at someone else’s home ground. It can be a tough gig but it is well worth it.

Last year I did just this when the Broncos defeated the Titans in Week One of the finals down at Skilled Park. It was a daunting environment to be in – on the train surrounded by Titans fans and sitting on our own up in the stands. Then of course you leave the ground totally ecstatic with the win but well aware you were surrounded by 10 Titans at any one time!

It goes both ways though. The Warriors defeated the Broncos up here in the early rounds and I met some New Zealanders in the pub afterwards. I’d rarely seen a group of people so happy after a Round 3 NRL match. While I was pretty down at the Broncos playing poorly that afternoon, seeing these people so happy showed me the range of emotions this game has and why we love it so much.

Origin I

I can’t do a column without commenting on the State of Origin sides for the opening match in Sydney next week – one where I will be there, my first trip to ANZ Stadium, proudly in my Queensland jersey!

The Blues have a decent team, as they often do, but have some puzzling inclusions. Jamie Lyon has been the form centre in the competition over 10 Rounds but is playing pivot. They have a genuine centre on the bench instead of a utility – keeping in mind Luke Lewis could play centre if necessary.

There’s no Paul Gallen which all Queenslanders are both astounded and relieved at. Jarryd Hayne is on the wing but that was a tough position to be in and I think they will compromise by playing him at fullback for ‘half the match’ when Idris is on.

As for the Queensland side, it more or less picked itself. Israel Folau could not be ignored after two massive games and the rest of the backs are incumbents. I would have had Brent Tate over Tonga but have no complaints.

The forwards look strong even without Price, Crocker and Johnson. I had a personal preference for the Warriors’ Michael Luck in the side but am happy enough with Costigan. I think David Taylor is ready for Origin and we made the right call waiting until now for his debut.

We now have another five days of building this match and stirring up the passion and tribalism before the kick-off on Wednesday night. I can’t wait!

TIPPING
Tips – Tigers, Eels, Warriors, Canberra, Penrith
Last Week – 4/8
Total – 39/76 (51%)

Thanks for reading again and as always I’m on Twitter (@keyto316), email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com) or comment below.

Enjoy the Origin and go the Maroons,
Keyto