A Dream Come True

As I sat in front of my TV last year and watched the final game in last year's Origin series I joked with my family that I would be in the crowd in 2016. Having discussed it with Dad as the NRL season kicked off it seemed my small dream might actually turn into a reality.

After purchasing the rather expensive tickets months previous, logging on at approximately 9am to secure the perfect seats, Shane and Shelly (my parents best friends and the two people I consider my second parents), myself and Dad were on our way to Suncorp.

Of course we had to experience Caxton Street. For those of you that don't know, the team buses used to drive down before the game as crazed fans ran alongside, throwing anything they could at them. Unfortunately they don't do that anymore but the street itself is still the place to be before the game.

I felt an overwhelming sense of pride as we walked among the Maroon sea. QUEENSLANDER became our anthem and although there was no chance of breathing fresh air in the packed pubs and clubs, it was a pretty special feeling.

It was my first time at an NRL game and certainly my first time walking into Suncorp. The stage was set for the second game of the series and I was determined Queensland would walk away with the win.

Hearing this would be the last Origin at Suncorp for Corey Parker made it even more surreal. Likewise, knowing Paul Gallen would never set foot on the grounds under the same circumstances also meant this game was quite monumental.

After the initial entertainment and singing of the National Anthem the first siren sounded and the game begun.

It was disorientating to watch the game without commentary and I was a little lost during the first couple of tackles. There were moments were I turned to Dad and asked him what the penalties were for and why certain things were happening.

Regardless, the atmosphere was phenomenal. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced and something that can't really be put into words.

Seeing all the Maroon and being a part of the one team, supporting a handful of talented NRL players and screaming so hard my throat burned was amazing to say the least. There were moments were I felt sick at the thought we might not win but the Maroon boys dug even deeper and produced some great footy.

I was so impressed with this game considering the disappointing effort in Sydney with both teams stepping it up and playing an excellent 80 minutes of Origin.

Dane Gagai did a spectacular job through his hat trick of tries but what I found even more intriguing was the communication between the experienced players and the up and coming starts. From my seat I could see JT talking to all the boys and telling each of them exactly what they needed to do. Hearing the final siren and seeing the final score topped off a tremendous night. I really hope I get to experience the same level of enthusiasm sometime in the future.

We couldn't leave without getting a picture of the four of us doing a "That's Gold" for the NRL Footy Show. Fingers crossed we end up on the TV.

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