Since 1982, State of Origin rugby league has been the pinnacle and envy of the rugby league world. Arguably the toughest matches in the toughest domestic competition in the world, the annual State of Origin now sits firmly atop the tree in the world of Rugby League. And the 2011 series could not have come at a better time for the game.

With controversy never far away at the best of times, the NRL has copped more than its fair share of hits this year. With players frequently showing less intelligence and respect than their pay packets (you would think) should require towards the game that affords them a magnificent lifestyle, and the fans that hold them in the highest of high regards, it’s been a tough season for David Gallop and his team.

Can the State of Origin series stop the slide and force the focus back onto the tough, uncompromising and skilful aspects of the game that we all know and love? I hope so. To open the papers lately and see more actual football news than scandal has been a refreshing change. To sit around the drip-tray debating the potential ins-and-outs, comparing lifetime Origin highlights and usually ending up in a heated argument between mates (requiring embarrassed apology emails the next day) is what I call football bliss.

More than anything though, the fact that every football fan regardless of which team they follow goes nuts for Origin makes me smile and think that the game is safe. The question is… “How can we instil the respect, passion, commitment, desire and class to the regular season that is clearly evident in State of Origin?” If I was lucky enough or good enough to be playing at the top level, I would treat every game as my last and every move I make off-field with the appropriate care demanded of role models these days. Wouldn’t you?

All I can say is bring it on game 1. We’ll be heading up to QLD with Sportsnet Holidays and Total Sports Travel for BOTH Brissy games and cannot wait. Functions with Andy Gee and Gordon Tallis, free beers, it doesn’t get much better than that!!! I won’t tell you who I support right now but would love to hear some of the passion in your comments to this post…or if you think you know how we can keep the sport, and players on track, PLEASE contribute. Let’s give Gallop et al some ideas!!!