False Loyalties: Queensland’s ‘Fake’ Fans Undermine State of Origin Integrity, Say Critics
Six years ago, I encountered a guy named Pete, who could easily be pegged as either the most fearless or the most clueless sports enthusiast in all of Australia. Pete resided at 6 Caxton St in Brisbane, conveniently situated across from the renowned Caxton Hotel and a stone’s throw away from Suncorp Stadium.
Originally from Sydney, Pete relocated northward for employment opportunities. However, this change of scenery didn’t alter his beer preferences or his loyalty to his favorite footy team.
“I’m a die-hard NSW supporter,” he declared to me back in 2018, stationed outside his residence at No.6, clad in NSW attire and thongs, with a couple of Tooheys Extra Drys in hand. “But I won’t sugarcoat it, mate, it’s been a rough ride. I’ve taken my fair share of flak over the years… loads of it.”
James Tedesco, Matt Burton, Johnathan Thurston, and Reece Walsh prior to State of Origin I.
Image: Getty
So, why not relocate? Find a place less hostile, more welcoming? “Where would I go? The pub’s right here, the stadium’s right there… this is my life,” he countered. “You either embrace it or reject it. And I relish taunting those Queenslanders.”
NSW Blues players.
Image: Getty
For all I know, Pete might still be there, gearing up to rile up the locals on Wednesday night after a mere six-step journey from his doorstep to the public bar at the Caxton. During State of Origin season, I often ponder about him and why the Blues haven’t recruited him to champion their cause.
To make a bold statement to those NSW-born fans who still pledge allegiance to Queensland, consider this: here was a man residing in the heart of Maroons territory, yet willing to stand firm in support of his team, no matter the consequences.
Moving elsewhere didn’t equate to abandoning his roots, even during years when the Blues faced relentless defeats from formidable Queensland sides. So why do some individuals, who’ve lived their entire lives in NSW, lack the same fervor for the Blues as Pete?
Haumole Olakau’atu.
Image: Getty
How can one spend a lifetime in one state and root for their archrivals? You don’t hear Queenslanders openly admitting to it, yet it seems they lurk among us in the premier state.
Remarkably, Blues newcomer Haumole Olakau’atu was one of them, despite growing up in Guilford, a staggering 908 kilometers from Brisbane. He even once proclaimed himself as a Queensland supporter on Instagram just two years ago.
“I was foolish. I was immature. I hope all the NSW fans can forgive me,” he expressed last week. “I don’t know what I was thinking.” Neither do we. Born blue, bleed blue. It’s that simple.
