The Immortals of State of Origin
Gelding Street Press, May 2023
RRP $39.99
Reviewed by Matt O’Hanlon
I was born in 1963. From 1962 until 1982 Queensland never won a series played under the residential rules. State of Origin was to change the playing field for thousands of Queensland supporters who, like me, had never seen a Queensland series win. Liam Hauser in his new publication – The Immortals of State of Origin – creates the perfect beer table book. Ostensibly, the topic is a group of outstanding footballers but, on reading, it is a reminder of the purity of the David versus Goliath syndrome where there are two aggregations of thought and if you are a Queenslander it is us and them. Simple. Admittedly, Hauser had to include a NSW team as well because, without the Philistines, there is no myth or Australia’s greatest sporting contest.
State of Origin is a sporting match that transcends a simple competition between two protagonists to an almost gladiatorial contest played in (especially at Lang Park – the home of Origin) the closest venues we have to the Colosseum. And Hauser captures the essence of this rivalry by declaring his Immortals as the “dream team of Queenslanders and a supreme side of New South Welshmen”. Unlike Grand Finals where many supporters are not clearly aligned to either team, at Origin time you are either Queensland or not! A dream team cryptically orients Hauser’s persuasion as much as he tries to disguise it.
A beer table book is designed to create debate and The Immortals of State of Origin does that. Unashamedly, Hauser sets out his rationale and stays true to it. As you read you can sense the author’s questioning of his choices and his fears that the impact the criteria has on maintaining the demarcation line he clearly set out. It reminded me of the staple of the footy aficionado match day diet. The crust of any pie, whilst appealing, does not give away the true flavour that lurks beneath. Nate Myles is a case in point. Myles would not come straight to mind – think Vautin, Reddy, Parker, Thaiday, Crocker, Gillet – and Gillmiester on the bench- yet Hauser paints a case that leaves no doubt at the end of the chapter that in terms of the gladiatorial nature of the contest he couldn’t be left out. I’m convinced.
In fact, the back row selected by Hauser in some ways defines Origin. Larson, Myles, Lindner – artisans of their craft – sleeves up, tooth-and-nail characters opposed to Pearce, Cordner, Fittler – Pearce predominantly a lock, Fittler’s best football as a 5/8, and Cordner I couldn’t have ahead of the likes of Boyd, Geyer, Hindmarsh or even Jake Trbojevic (who I believe would be an automatic Queensland Origin selection). The beer table book debate Hauser wants to create is immediate. Another is the selection of Dane Gagai as a winger for Queensland. For the last few years I have said that my former Mackay High student will go down as one of the great Origin players, and I was glad that Hauser almost paraphrased my arguments. What is it about Queenslanders who, when they pull on the Maroon jersey, find something deep inside that allows the ordinary to become extraordinary? This sense is lurking just beneath the author’s parapet.
Imagination is required to align the combatants as you complete the chapters. Who wins this confrontation? Using strict data, Queensland’s Immortals have a winning percentage of 58% compared to NSW’s Immortals 48%. Meninga has a winning coaching series percentage of 90% compared to Gould’s 85%. But it is in the teams balance where Queensland has the advantage. As has been the tradition of NSW’s selection policy, players have been selected in positions they were not best suited to. Fittler, Kenny and Daley illuminate the dilemma. Such a critical position, but three 5/8’s selected in the back line. Also, if Arthur Beetson had to be selected as an Immortal (which I agree with) then Johns rules out Steve Mortimer who really engaged NSW’s support for Origin. Again our author’s hidden bias sneaks through for the ‘fabled league’ contest.
Liam Hauser has added to not only his own bibliography but also to the growing writings on this fabulous contest. His book is an intriguing addition to my collection of Origin memorabilia. The Immortals of State of Origin is a perfectly presented book highlighted by a gallery of photos that stand out from seasons past. The Immortals of State of Origin is published by Gelding Street Press, the latest in a series of 6 books so far on the Immortals of various Australian sports. Liam Hauser presents a well crafted and deeply knowledgeable book that not only suits the biased fanatic like myself but serves as a dialogue on a unique sporting contest for all of those with an interest in sport and the individuals who participate.
The Immortals of State of Origin is available from Gelding Street Press and major bookstores.
Matt O’Hanlon is a generational footy tragic (his family only calls Rugby League footy) who masquerades as a school teacher. After a colourful career as a player, he amassed a distinguished résumé as a coach throughout Queensland country areas with several Past Brothers clubs. An enthusiastic punter and bon vivant, Matt is a keen supporter of The Footy Almanac.
Liam Hauser is a journalist by profession and a sports historian whose other publications on State of Origin include, State of Origin 30 Years (Rockpool Publishing, 2010), State of Origin 35 Years (Rockpool Publishing, 2015) and State of Origin 40 Year (Gelding Street Press, 2020). He is also the author of Rugby League’s Greatest Contests (New Holland, 2017), Rugby League’s Greatest Contests (New Holland, 2019), Rugby League’s Greatest Grand Finals (New Holland,2022) and The Immortals of Australian Rugby League (Gelding Street press, 2019). Liam is also the author of several books on Test cricket, A Century of Cricket Tests (New Holland, 2013), A History of Test Cricket (New Holland, 2016) and The Immortals of Australian Cricket (Gelding Street Press, 2018).
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sounds like a great read, I look forward to adding a copy to my library !