Townsville rises for its first Origin

“Queenslander, Queenslander, Queenslander!”

It was the call of the crowd as thousands descended upon Queensland Country Bank Stadium from Townsville’s CBD.

Swathes of fans, all donning the colour that identifies their allegiance, came to witness Origin’s newest battleground – the first time rugby league’s showpiece has been held in a regional city.

With horns, wigs, rallying calls and even wet cement illustrating ”QLD”; Townsville was more than just embracing Origin fever, it was becoming it.

Blues hooker Damien Cook said this week he saw Townsville as a neutral venue, but the sea of Maroon that flowed from the ‘Caxton Street’ of the North and crowd awaiting him surely changed his perspective.

The Blues were drowned with boos as they arrived at the stadium, proud and hostile locals doing their best to unnerve the visitors, reminding them they were now in enemy territory.

Outside the famous ‘Mad Cow bar’, a sole NSW fan copped it from passionate locals, as the cattle call of ‘Queenslander’ rung through Flinders Street.

“It’s never been like this before,” a local restaurant owner said.

“Townsville has grown for its team, it’s as wonderful as it is amazing.”

As the gates were braced for opening, fans buzzed and vast lines curved around the stadium.

“This doesn’t feel like any other NRL game,” one fan said.

“See you inside,” one father said to his kids splitting away to separate gates.

“How will you see us in the stadium, there’s too many people!” the young lad quipped back.

Some brave Blues fans popped up in an ocean of Maroon but the home support was clearly overwhelming.

“Queensland forever,” fans yelled as they rushed through the gates.

The boos of 27,500 fans rang out as the Blues entered the field in darkness.

Bathed in light, Queensland entered the cauldron to begin series 2021.