Maroon Flag Soars Over Sydney Yet Again

Queensland’s flag will once again fly proudly over the Sydney harbour after the Maroons’ thrilling win to clinch the State of Origin series at Suncorp Stadium last night.

Premier Campbell Newman watched the game from the stands following the government’s decision to relinquish all corporate boxes at major sporting stadiums.

A beaming Mr Newman, hoarse from cheering Queensland to a one point win, said the game typified everything about Queenslanders and their never say die attitude.

“My wife Lisa and I enjoyed sitting among the crowd last night and soaking up the true spirit of Origin,” Mr Newman said.

“Something else I’ll enjoy is watching the Queensland flag fly high over Sydney once again.”

Since 1999, the Premiers of Queensland and New South Wales have had a bet involving the winning State flying its flag in opposition territory.

The Queensland flag will be hoisted on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Monday 9 July.

“If Queensland had lost the series the New South Wales flag would have been flown from the Story Bridge. It hasn’t happened for seven years and won’t for another seven years at least,” Mr Newman said.

Victorian officials have also been calling for more Origin games to be played in Melbourne, a move the Premier does not support.

“We are the traditional home of rugby league and as such we should have as many games as possible,” he said.

“My government has made it clear it would support every effort to keep as many Origin games as possible in Queensland.”

[ENDS] 5 July 2012

Contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500