LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
As the deciding State of Origin match approaches at Accor Stadium on Wednesday, it's essential to recognize that the fervor surrounding this series extends beyond Australia's borders.
While sporting franchises are typically tied to specific cities, their appeal can spread globally, similar to the admiration for Premier League, NFL, and NBA teams worldwide.
In the realm of international sports, allegiance is often linked to one's country of birth.
However, the State of Origin series is a notable exception, capturing Australia's sporting spirit annually.
The fierce rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland goes beyond geographic boundaries, finding enthusiastic support even in New Zealand, where fans are passionately divided into Blues and Maroons camps.
This unique phenomenon illustrates how State of Origin has transcended its origins to create a vibrant and passionate fan base, making it a celebrated event even across the ditch in New Zealand.