Mal backs State of Origin for rugby
KANGAROOS coach Mal Meninga, one of the most important figures in State of Origin history, believes there’s merit in rival code rugby union’s plan to stage their own version of the interstate battle.
The Australian Rugby Union is backing a proposal to stage a one-off Origin fixture, pencilled in for Ballymore on June 29. Powerbrokers are hoping the match will be a money-spinner for the ARU and revive domestic interest in the 15-man game. Commercial networks are keeping an eye on developments although Fox Sports is the most likely broadcast partner.
Many details are still to be thrashed out, including the availability of test and overseas players. The Wallabies are scheduled to play their third and final mid-season international against Italy just a few days beforehand.
The AFL held their own State of Origin fixtures but their version never came close to capturing the imagination in the same way as rugby league and have long been abandoned the concept.
No man knows more about Origin that Meninga.
He made 34 appearances as a player – including the very first one – captained his state and coached Queensland to nine wins from 10 during his time in charge as a coach.
The Kangaroos mentor has backed rugby’s decision to borrow from its biggest rival.
‘‘It makes sense to me, to be honest with you,’’ Meninga said.
‘‘There are a lot of Queenslanders and New South Welshman playing in all different teams.
‘‘I still think a Reds supporter and a Waratahs supporter are true blue or true reds. They would like to see a game – I don’t know about many games but a game – where all the best players in their squads because they are sprinkled across four teams all around Australia or in New Zealand. ‘‘It’s got some merit.’’ Like the league version, eligibility is likely to be a contentious topic. Israel Folau was born in Minto in Sydney’s south west, relocated to Brisbane in his teens, wore the Maroon jersey after making his NRL debut with Melbourne and now wears the blue of the Waratahs. The Sun-Herald