What a night! What a win!
You don’t need me to go over last night’s historic Queensland win over the Blues. Not after the build-up we’ve had — being called the worst Maroons team ever, and also being one coach short just a few months out from the opening game — and not after last week’s thrashing. But all that’s behind us now, and the State of Origin shield is ours for the first time since 2017. (Featured image: @carlesrgm)
But I’m sure you know that last night’s game was historic for another reason as it is thought to be the biggest crowd to watch a sporting event anywhere in the world since the beginning of the pandemic. In my book, I’m chalking that up as a second win for Queensland because just to be able to get to a point where we could pack Suncorp Stadium to (almost) capacity is one significant feat. And one, we think, that should also be celebrated.
How many showed up to spur Queensland to victory? A whopping 49,155.
After months of uncertainty and restrictions, last night’s game was also a test to see how well we, as a community, have done. However, only time will tell us those results. In the meantime, this was Suncorp Stadium last night, chock-a-block with Queenslanders.
Outside Suncorp Stadium
1. The Decider
2. You could feel the tension in the air
3. Building as kick-off ticked closer
Inside Suncorp
4. The crowd slowly got bigger
5. And bigger
6. And the atmosphere grew electric
7. How was your view?
The fans
8. Were obviously excited
9. Beers in hand
10. Mates together
Game time
11. All there for the same reason
12. The Maroons
13. Except for that one mate
14. But we don’t feel bad
15. Nope, we actually feel pretty great
16. Obviously
17. Cheers Queensland
18. Wait, can’t leave without a selfie