By Emily-Rose Toohey
Game one of the 2022 State of Origin is happening next Wednesday and the event is bound to interest even the most disinterested rugby league viewers.
The showdown between the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues is taking place at Accor Stadium in Sydney and Southern Downs residents can watch the game from the comfort of their homes, starting at 8.10pm.
However, if locals are willing to brave the cold, venues like the Condamine Sports Club and Club Warwick RSL will be showing the games on their televisions.
Club Warwick RSL’s Josh Benz said that raffle tickets will be sold on all three nights of the sports event and drawn on the 14 July, marking the end of Origin 2022.
“There’s $500 worth of prizes, and we’ll also be selling pies for $5,” Josh said.
Club Warwick RSL CEO Michael Jones said they have planned for events in the past, but have found them unsuccessful for a number of factors.
“It’s cold, Wednesday’s a work and school night, and people have big TVs at home,” Michael said.
Similarly, Condamine Sports Club manager Stephen Domjahn said that although the club is not planning anything for the night, the venue will be at full capacity.
The State of Origin spirit will likely be thriving next week, especially in the lead up to the Maroons visiting Warwick for their Regional Fan Day from 5 to 6 July.
Funding support from Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) was approved in January and the event is officially going ahead.
In the report presented at council, it said that each year Queensland Rugby League (QRL) takes the fan day to a community in need of engagement with their local rugby league.
“QRL would welcome the opportunity to take the fan day experience to Warwick off the back of ongoing drought, fires, floods and the impacts of Covid-19,” the report said.
But for now, Southern Downs residents can anticipate game one of this year’s State of Origin and cheer for their home team.
