CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
Queensland Origin Coach Billy Slater has today had to explain his team that the pandemic-era social distancing protocols no longer apply in Sydney.
Because as the pride of Queensland, the legendary Maroons squad have been left quite surprised by the dismal turn out of fans for the NSW opponents in their home state.
Throughout the week’s press conferences and promotional events, it seems that even in the Blues capital of Sydney, there seems to be more Queensland fans than New South Wales fans waiting outside hotels and airport gates.
“Boys, don’t get thrown off by lack of excitment down here.” Slater told his team at today’s run through practice.
“Reuben Cotter asked me earlier if we should be worried about catching some sort of virus down here. I’ve spoken to health officials and they’ve confirmed that there’s no pandemic – it’s just that Blues fans are weak as piss”
“So yeah, there’s no limits on crowd capacities, there’s no social distancing. Other than the fact that the people of NSW seem to want to socially distance themselves from their team. Remember, the Matildas are in town, and they’ve brought far more joy and hope to this state than Freddy or any of the Blues have”
Slater’s suggestion that the Australian women’s soccer side has vastly overshadowed the NSW Blues is undoubtable, following yet another glorious victory from our Tillies on Monday night,.
The Matildas played their last match on home soil before the Paris 2024 against China in front of a sellout crowd at Accor Stadium this week.
It was the 14th consecutive home match the Matildas have sold out, after taking Australia on one of the most exciting and inspiring run of victories in last year’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Club.
The type of glory that NSW residents can only get from the international sporting arena – with the NSW representative rugby league team losing 14 of the last 20 State Of Origin series.
In true Queensland fashion, these deflated circumstances will be turned into a motivation by their superior coaching staff.
“Don’t be distracted by the half empty stadium” said Slater.
“It’s just because New South Wales fans only turn out when their team is winning – and as you’d all know, that hasn’t really happened much over the last few decades”
“Let’s keep that up. The lack of Blues fans means the cheers from the Queenslanders will be louder.
“And remember, those cheers will be breaking sound barriers back home”
