I've been around for many years and until SOO began I never really saw myself as a New South Welshman first, I was Australian.
But I get the impression that many Queenslanders see themselves as Queenslanders first and Australians second. That's why it means so much.
I mean no disrespect with this. Have I got it wrong?
Yeah and no I reckon. Maybe it's a little bit Country V City type of thing with a few other factors rolled in. When I was growing up Brissie was considered a large Country town, sort of what Townsville was like in 2000-04 when I was based there. Country always has that "hard" element to it IMO.
Then you add the stuff our Dad's all taught us about how NSW use to steal our players to play against us and dominate. Then 1980 happened and it was our chance as Qlder's to represent ourselves against the NSW juggernaut. We were always up against it as NSW had such a larger pool of "professional big league" players to choose from. We just had our local comp with a few Qlder's playing in the big time down south.
I think early Lang Park (The Cauldron) also adds to the bigger picture because back in the day (and now) it was heaven on earth. The old mango tree, the aura of the place. I grew up there watching Origin in the 80's. Was at the game with the beers cans lol. Young blokes, there Dad's and the bloke across the road going to Origin to play against the giants! It was something for Son's and Dad's to share, our Dad's taught us to hate the Blues and we did. We learnt as part of growing up that your a Qlder!
I also remember back in the day the Footy being heavily influenced by the NSW RL in all matters and certain decisions around SOO time would always anger Qld. The old Ken Arthurson days.
I played once on the old Lang Park and when I ran out there it was like a life's accomplishment. We lost bad I think that day, but I was a pig in mud regardless. Getting ready in the sheds that Wally and the boys used was just plain amazing. Then as a teenager, when the games use to start before midnight you would get together with your mate's, everyone had a Qld jersey and you hated the blues together.
Maybe we are Qlder's first lol BUT we are heavily patriotic (or atleast the older generation was) and we love our Australia too.
Not trying to say anything or start anything. Not saying we want it more or whatever, just thought you might like my insight to a Qlder.
As a side tip: When I was with the ex (Was a blues supporter arggh) she was heavily pregnant with our first child. We were on a roadtrip near the border and the roads were all fuked. Bumpy as fuk, throwing us around. I suspected she was tying to start the labour early so our Daughter would be born in NSW. I turned the car around and we came back to Qld. LOL
