The second round of NRL’s State of Origin between Queensland and NSW has proven to be a rating’s hit for channel nine.
A huge crowd of 91,513 packed the MCG for the NRL whack-a-thon, the game saw NSW defy the bookies and beat Queensland 26-18.
Even though the ratings were good for Channel Nine, it would still take a great game for AFL-crazy Melbournites to jump on the NRL bandwagon.
The Herald Sun
Herald Sun – Thursday 18 June 2015 #HeraldSun pic.twitter.com/xyyN5h3efM
— Aus Front Page (@AusFrontPage) June 17, 2015
During the lead up to the game, The Herald Sun’s Daniel Fogarty took the opportunity to argue for an AFL version of State of Origin.
“AFL fans overwhelmingly want to see Origin return to the game. The Superfooty AFL Footy Fans Survey shows more than 72 per cent of fans would like to see the AFL’s best players go head-to-head in State-of-Origin,” Fogarty said.
3AW Melbourne Radio
Sydney commentator Ray Hadley sat down with 3AW to backtrack on his comments that State Of Origin shouldn’t come to Melbourne.
“I’m sorry, I’ll have to withdraw and retract, because 91,500 people last night tells me the MCG deserves an Origin match every couple of years,” Hadley said.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews also told 3AW: “Last night showed every fan of every sport really, that we can fill stadiums here in Melbourne. We’re really proud of that – there’s a bit of pride back in Melbourne today and I think that’s something that’s really important.”
The Age
The Age – Thursday 18 June 2015 #TheAge pic.twitter.com/UL0TLrJLCv
— Aus Front Page (@AusFrontPage) June 17, 2015
The decider will be held in Queensland on July 8.
