Bleeding blue feels ‘bloody great’: Beachfront home transformed

This Hervey Bay local may be the bravest bloke in regional Queensland after decking out his home in Maroon heartland.

This Hervey Bay local has decked his place in blue, and, after last night’s victory, he regrets nothing! Picture: Isabella Magee

When your home’s in a prime position on the Esplanade and close to pubs in Maroon heartland, decking it out Blue is a bold move.

For southern supporter Rodney Thompson however, it was an easy choice.

And, after last night’s opening game left maroon supporters feeling blue, Rodney was ecstatic to show off his support.

Blues supporter Rodney Thompson said it’s all “just good fun”. Picture: Isabella Magee

With cars honking and people shouting while they were passing his home on the Esplanade in Scarness, Rodney spoke to the Chronicle about his passion for the game.

“I’ve always been a Blues fan ... I watched the first State of Origin in 1980, (the game) is everything to me, ” Rodney said.

“I used to race motorbikes and there was always a rivalry there between us ... you can be hugging your mate at one moment then the next day, you’re rivals.

“There’s no animosity there, it’s just good fun.”

Cars honked their horns as they drove past Rodney on Thursday morning, in support and without. Picture: Isabella Magee

Rodney said he felt “bloody great” after last night’s win and is taking all the victory in while it lasts.

“I‘d rather have won by two points than 44 because Queensland ain’t (sic) gonna take slowing down,” he said.

“They’re just gonna come back next time and absolutely give it to us, there’s no lying down for those guys.”

The blues supporter even has a scoreboard out front. Picture: Isabella Magee

And, although he bleeds Blue at Origin time, Rodney said it wasn’t reflective of how he feels about his adoptive home state.

“I absolutely love Queensland, it’s just so beautiful,” he said.

“But, I was born in New South Wales, so that’s my team – for me, it’s about where you’re born.”