Is State of Origin really sports greatest rivalry?

Question

its been round for 25 years and the statistics are close, what are your views on this?

Answer 1

I only ever watch rugby league when state of origin is on (i follow the AFL)

yes, its the greatest rivalry in Australia but by no means on a world stage.

How about the Wallabies v All Blacks, Manchester United v Liverpool, France v Italy in Soccer, USA v Canada in Ice Hockey, Australia v England in the Ashes.

Yes, its up there, but it does not beat those rivalries.

Answer 2

it wouldn't be sports greatest rivalry, as Aussies we can't say that, with all the other sports around the world.

rugby league supporters always like to bag Aussie rules(not afl, TWO DIFFERENT things) but the VFL/AFL started this state of origin concept, the difference is, it really has taken off in RL.  The players really want to play, i have never missed a match by the way and i am an Aussie Rules bloke, there is room for all sports in our country.

Answer 3

No, it hasn't been around as long as some events such as the Oxford/Cambridge Boat Races, which started in the mid 1800's.

Answer 4

It is one of Australia's main rivalries (though Collingwood V Carlton is big) - but I hate to say it - it is nothing compared to some rivalries overseas - as some suggested.

Just in football (soccer) alone

England V Germany

England V Argentina

Argentina V Brazil

Man U V Liverpool

Real Madrid V Barcelona

Inter Milan V AC Milan

Arsenal V Chelsea

Man U V Man City

Germany V Italy

River Plate V Bocca Juniors

Celtic V Rangers

Liverpool V Everton

And thats just a start - in Australia you fail to realise just how big these events are world wide - rather than the 2 1/2 million who would watch SofO these are watched by 50 times that amount - or in the case of a world cup semi with Germany V England - estimated 1.5 billion or 750 times the amount of people watched it.

Other sports include The subway challenge Yankees V Mets in Baseball, Canada V USA in Ice Hockey, India V Pakistan in cricket (fanatics), England V France, Australia V New Zealand in Rugby Union

So yes it is good rivalry. World wide it is not much though. I love RL but realise it is only played really in two states - and even though the game is intense, other rivalries are much bigger - and span years and in some cases wars.

Answer 5

Yep. Try and name something that could top.

AFL isn't a sport it's what little girls play in the backyard.

Answer 6

most definantly. No rivalry is close to matching NSW vs QLD  in Australia, perhaps even the world!

Answer 7

It's the biggest in this country.  Some of the football ones, Liverpool vs Man U and Celtic vs Rangers are huge compared to State of Origin

Answer 8

Yes in australia, but to be brutally honest, and this is coming from a huge maroons fan, there are bigger rivalries overseas.

oh forget about afl, tis a silly sport

Answer 9

Yes nothin could beat it thats 4 sure

Answer 10

yes anything close it soccer world cup and that's also pretty boring a. because its soccer and b. you just know who will win.

Answer 11

in rugby league,yes

Answer 12

it is definitely up there in the top echelon.. when it comes to sporting rivalries in the world of football (all codes)

Answer 13

Oh yeah it is for sure.. the passion of the supporters and the players is full on.. i know on paper it doesnt sound huge but experience a game.. its amazing

Answer 14

not even close

carlton v collingwood in front of 100,000 at the mcg

Answer 15

it is the greatest  rivalry in sport past,present and future. not any other sport has a contest that is even close to what S of O is or means to both QLD & NSW.