Has State of Origin reached its 'use by' date?

Question

Perhaps just 1 super game per year, winner takes all. Brisbane one year, Sydney the next. Think about it. 3 games per year, split rounds, player burnout. Get rid of 2 SOO games and it could make way for the extra teams the NRL want and also a fairer draw. How many fans out there are lamenting the fact that their team have too many rep players? Should the top teams have to 'budget' 3 losses a year when SOO comes around? Sure, Queenslanders will say 'No way', and NSW will say get rid of it all together. What do you guys think?

Update:

You people are not thinking, are you?

? · Accepted Answer

Yeh totally agree with you they should cut 2 games
Although thats not going to happen as the ARL needs SOO to hog talent from the Pacific Islands e.g. Uate

Bill P · Answer

Disagree totally. SOO (3 games) is a great concept and should not be reduced or ditched because clubs are feeling they are being hard done by. Even in a dead series, the third game gets crowds only seen in finals football so it is obvious the fans want it. Regarding your last comment, it wasn't that long ago that Queensland suggested ditching the third game in a decided series but NSW was against it. Reason? NSW were winning at that stage.

A good point was brought up here earlier about comp games being put on hold during the SOO period and playing an Amco Cup type series over the six weeks. That way tyeams aren't disadvantaged by losing players for premiership games.

? · Answer

The fact that people were discussing State Of Origin before the regular season had even kicked off shows that it is still huge.Also the Sydney game is looking like a sell out. SOO is bigger than ever. Issues like player burnout and clubs missing their top players whilst it's on need to be addressed but  it's still one of the highlights of the year. Why on earth would you want it reduced?

? · Answer

It's all part off the game mate. If the one team is willing to buy the better players, then they have to put up with the fact that a few rounds a year they are going to be disadvantaged.

State of origin is the only thing driving Nrl is australia. nrl have to compete with so many other sports it is hard to pull the crowds to games, where as state of origin brings a full stadium every game making it look good on a national and international standard.

Reducing state of origin to one game is like taking the sun out of australia.

sir cnqaus · Answer

Not a chance. State of Origin is one of the best things to have ever happened in the game, and has by no means lost any lustre.

It holds pride-of place for players, fans, administrators and broadcasters.
It's not a matter of the 'top teams' budgeting for losses. It's also an opportunity for them to test their roster depth and give youth experience.

Magpie™ · Answer

You are kidding aren't you?
The ANZ is sold out.
Over 50 000 is a fantastic turnout and we've got this!

They are even talking about having a Nth vs. Sth Island for the hapless kiwis left to play there hearts out in the club games.
âºâºâº

Punchy · Answer

Reached its use by date no way. I enjoy watching SOO just as much as watching my team play, I'd enjoy it more if the Blues won a series.

Anonymous · Answer

Who cares about players not playing for their club? SOO is entertaining to watch!!! Btw I go for the blues.

Has State of Origin reached its 'use by' date?

8 Answers