Second-rate series

PICTURE this. In the midst of an Ashes series, you play a Sheffield Shield final.

Or you squeeze in a game of backyard tennis with your most coordinated uncle while Roger and Rafa battle for grand slam glory.

Or while downing your duck a l’orange the dessert arrives.

Indeed, you wouldn’t water down your top drawcard by sprinkling on another good – but not as good – event at the same time.

So why are we still playing second-rate NRL matches when there is an Origin decider on our doorstep?

Someone made the comment recently that they can’t remember when they were less enthused about an

NRL round, such is the diminished talent on show THERE are arguments against standalone State of Origin periods, whether it be shortening the NRL season to 23 rounds or moving Origin to after the grand final. More importantly, there is genuine reason to have interest in NRL rounds like the one just gone.

Everyone claims to cherish a close, even competition.

Well, State of Origin periods are an ideal leveller for weaker clubs, such as Newcastle currently, who aren’t fortunate enough to have six Origin superstars on their books week in, week out. It gives those strugglers a chance to make up ground on their morefancied rivals – if they are good enough.

At the same time, it gives fans a close look at

Picture: GETTY IMAGES Eels players celebrate during the win over the depleted Storm on Saturday. The victory led to further debate about the value of the Origin-hit round.