Between two and three thousand spectators converged on the Armidale Sports Ground on Saturday night for the first Legends of League State of Origin game to be held in regional NSW. For the first time out of five games, Queensland triumphed over NSW, 38 points to 28. The rain that fell on the Autumn Festival parade cleared for the major rugby league event although it was still cold and damp. The slippery conditions caused many dropped balls and fumbles, which belied the competitive yet fun spirit of the game.
Organiser, representative of one of the many local sponsors and Commentator/MC on the night, Luke Fahey, said that after eight months of planning, all involved were very happy with Saturday night.
NSW kicked off and the first several minutes were an even, scoreless affair. The Maroons Stuart Kelly scored the first try, which was converted by the golden boot of Matt Rogers.
A minute later, Armidale local, Dennis Moran converted his own try for the Blues. Another local, Michael Aspinal got the next try for the Blues.
NSW got the first try of the second quarter. Aaron Roper’s try was between the posts and local ball boy, Cooper Johnson successfully converted.
Matt Rogers got the next try for QLD and converted. The half-time score saw NSW ahead 16 to 12.
The third quarter began with a successfully converted Scott Hill try for NSW.
QLD Origin legend, 47yo Steve Jackson went down with a serious shoulder injury. A possible dislocation occurred after he landed awkwardly on his elbow and the MC called for a doctor. He is best remembered for his pivotal role for the Canberra Raiders in the team’s 1989 grand final win over the Balmain Tigers.
The Maroons soldiered on, with Trent Rush scoring a try and Matt Rogers converting.
Then Stuart Kelly got his second try for Queensland.
Matt Rogers set Sean Hoppe (pronounced ‘Hoppy’) up for a try. Now a Queenslander, Hoppe was a New Zealand Rugby League representative. He played in the inaugural Warriors team and was considered the competition’s best winger.
Another QLD try followed, by Peter Gill.
Former Storm and Bulldogs player, Jamie Feeney got the final try of the game for NSW.
The final tally of 38 – 28 left the veteran players exhausted yet most had the stamina to mingle with fans and sign autographs, often for boys who were far too young to know of or recall their sporting accomplishments.
QLD Captain, Kerry Boustead, said the atmosphere in Armidale was fantastic but it might be his final Legends of League stoush. He was top player of the 1970s and 1980s, who played for QLD and was the youngest at the time to be selected for the Australian National Rugby League Team. Boustead is considered one of the nation’s top footballers of the 20th century.
NSW Captain, David Peachey, said that the business houses and community had really gotten behind the event which is a fundraiser for the Armidale Hospital. He expressed optimism that the support will continue and see it become an annual event.
The Dubbo lad played for the Sharks and Rabbitohs in the 1990s and 2000s and was an Australian and NSW (State-of-Origin) representative. Part of the Rugby League’s One Community Ambassador Program, he has his own Foundation for helping Aboriginal youth with promise in the code.
Local NSW legend, Nathan Blacklock described the game as a great experience. He will Coach (and not play for) the Tingha Tigers this season.
Story: Gary Fry
