Premiers agree to disagree – but charity an Origin winner
Published Wednesday, 21 May, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and her New South Wales counterpart Morris Iemma will not hear of their State losing in this year’s State of Origin rugby league series.
While they are adamant their respective teams will win, they have agreed that in keeping with tradition the Premiers will have a side wager on the series – this time with charity a winner.
“I’m confident that Cameron Smith and our boys will prove too good and that the Maroon jersey will sit proudly in Morris’ office,” said Ms Bligh.
In short - the winning State’s Premier will supply the losing State (NSW for sure) with their State’s Origin jersey signed by the winning team.
That jersey is then to be hung in the losing Premier’s Office until the end of the year. After that, the signed jersey will be returned to the winning Premier to be auctioned for charity.
“I’m also calling on Queenslanders to wear Maroon today and for the day of the three Origin games to show support for Mal and the team.
“It’s a special time of year and one that unites Queenslanders. Best of luck to both teams and I look forward to a Maroon jersey having pride of place in the New South Wales Premier’s Office, “ said Ms Bligh.
Mighty Maroons:
1. Billy SLATER
2. Brent TATE
3. Greg INGLIS
4. Justin HODGES
5. Israel FOLAU
6. Karmichael HUNT
7. Jonathan THURSTON
13. Dallas JOHNSON
12. Sam THAIDAY
11. Michael CROCKER
10. Petero CIVONICEVA
9. Cameron SMITH c
8. Carl WEBB
Interchange:
14. Peter J MARSH
15. Ben HANNANT
16. Nate MYLES
17. Jacob LILLYMAN
Coach: Mal MENINGA
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
While they are adamant their respective teams will win, they have agreed that in keeping with tradition the Premiers will have a side wager on the series – this time with charity a winner.
“I’m confident that Cameron Smith and our boys will prove too good and that the Maroon jersey will sit proudly in Morris’ office,” said Ms Bligh.
In short - the winning State’s Premier will supply the losing State (NSW for sure) with their State’s Origin jersey signed by the winning team.
That jersey is then to be hung in the losing Premier’s Office until the end of the year. After that, the signed jersey will be returned to the winning Premier to be auctioned for charity.
“I’m also calling on Queenslanders to wear Maroon today and for the day of the three Origin games to show support for Mal and the team.
“It’s a special time of year and one that unites Queenslanders. Best of luck to both teams and I look forward to a Maroon jersey having pride of place in the New South Wales Premier’s Office, “ said Ms Bligh.
Mighty Maroons:
1. Billy SLATER
2. Brent TATE
3. Greg INGLIS
4. Justin HODGES
5. Israel FOLAU
6. Karmichael HUNT
7. Jonathan THURSTON
13. Dallas JOHNSON
12. Sam THAIDAY
11. Michael CROCKER
10. Petero CIVONICEVA
9. Cameron SMITH c
8. Carl WEBB
Interchange:
14. Peter J MARSH
15. Ben HANNANT
16. Nate MYLES
17. Jacob LILLYMAN
Coach: Mal MENINGA
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500