nospam49 said:
I think Origin has more of a lure to the general sports fan.
Even among League fans.....there is a reason you can get 80,000 to two State Of Origin games and be over the moon to get 20,000+ for a Test match against NZ.
That's just a simplistic way of looking at it. A major factor to the event has built up over the tribal passion that fuels both the players and fans.
It may be a wonderful spectacle, probably the best on offer in regards to RL. But the skills on display aren't a great deal higher than an Aus/NZ match.
Keep in mind this isnt the UK where you can suck people into thinking Test matches could go either way. Australian know that on home soil the Australian kangaroo's are pretty much unbeatable.
Few will turn up to a game where they know what the result will be. Many will turn up to see a great game between two sides thyat could end in ANY scorline.
Again a very simplistic view. This doesn't stop the Australian cricket team. They've smashed everybody at home for over 12 years now, and f*ck me, the crowds keep getting bigger.
They market themselves on 'here is the best the country can offer'.
Having Lockyer, Webcke, Buderus and Hindmarsh on the same side should be the approach the ARL's marketing team should be making.
Thats why Origin is such a success. You cant tell wether QLD will win this years series 3-0.....NSW could win it 3-0.....anything could happen.
The tribal passion was what built it up more than any scoreline.
The World Cup is in 2008.....we all know Australia will win.
Like Ponting an Co. ?
Thats the reason why people wont turn up in big numbers to see a Test match, but they will turn up to see an Origin game.
No, that's why people show to Origin in Sydney and Brisbane.
You think if we took Origin to Auckland, Leeds or Manchester we'd get 80,000+, even though they are League heartlands ?
Let alone a non-heartland like Melbourne.