State of Origin sells itself as winds of change leave violence and hate behind

theguardian.comPublished: 5/27/2025

Summary

"The State of Origin series has become a battleground for media narratives as both sides prepare to clash on the field. New South Wales coach Laurie Daley dismissed concerns of team tension during games, while Queensland star Isaah Yeo downplayed the hype surrounding the rivalry. Meanwhile, Maroons coach Billy Slater emphasized the game’s professionalism and suggested that public focus might be overreacting. Both teams are concentrating on their performances rather than external pressure from the press. The article also notes a broader shift in how Origin is perceived, with less emphasis on old-school feuds and more on the sport’s growing popularity and potential for revenue."