ORIGIN ALL READY TO BE A CRACKER IN THE VILLE

Like the front page says, there are no more sleeps to Origin. Tonight will see the culmination of one of the most exciting fortnights in Townsville’s history when the mighty Maroons take on the Blues at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

It has been a rollercoaster ride for the city since Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced to parliament the town was ready for its first Origin.

Ever since the announcement that Townsville actually won the bid over Canberra and Parramatta, it has been all hands on deck to get the city ready.

Looking around town, it’s amazing to see how much has been done in such a short time.

For a start, the stadium has extra seating installed.

Ten B-doubles thundered up the Bruce Highway from Brisbane with the portable stands and they were erected in under a week.

Groundsmen have been combing the field to make sure it’s in pristine condition and extra staff have been brought in to cater for what will be a record crowd.

Townsville City Council, Townsville Enterprise Limited

v It is a mighty effort

and the business community have been flat chat making the most of the chance given to the region.

Today, we will see Flinders St shut down with some of the best bands in the business locked in to turn the city into a party zone.

Venues have also been set up at Riverway and North Shore for people to enjoy the game.

A tent city has been erected to take on the overflow of people needing somewhere to stay.

It is a mighty, mighty effort to put on an event of this stature in such a short amount of time.

Let’s hope everything goes to plan tonight.

Watch Townsville people turn out in droves to show the NRL they didn’t make a mistake sending Origin north.

Come on the Maroons.