State of Origin III: NSW and Qld cops in out-of-this-world stoush over decider

State of Origin revellers have flooded Brisbane’s notorious Caxton Street, joined by the premiers of both states, after a war of words erupted between Queensland and NSW police.

Caxton Street venues are packed as thousands of footy fans descend on Suncorp Stadium for Game III of the State of Origin series – the decider.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her NSW counterpart Dominic Perrottet braved the chaos to walk the famous street on their way to the stadium.

More than 52,000 people are expected at Suncorp Stadium for State of Origin Game III tonight, with the Maroons rank outsiders after a 44-12 drubbing in Perth in Game II.

But NSW has won only two deciders in Queensland in 40 years of Origin.

LIVE: ROLLING STATE OF ORIGIN GAME III COVERAGE

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk with her partner Reza Adib and NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet. Picture: Steve Pohlner

A police spokeswoman said that despite the huge number of fans at Caxton Street, there had been no reported police incidents ahead of kick-off.

“They must all be on their best behaviour,” she said.

A large police presence had converged in the area in the late afternoon to ensure that Caxton revellers didn’t getting too carried away.

CAXTON STREET ‘IS INSANE”

Publicans have put on extra staff and ordered in extra beer to cater to the huge number of fans on Caxton Street.

One bartender at The Caxton Hotel said that she had never seen so many people filling the bar.

“It’s insane,” she said.

“It’s such a great atmosphere and everyone is having a great time.”

One of the few Blues in a sea of Maroon, Jamie Hauler made the trip north across the border from Lismore and said that the atmosphere was one of the best he’s seen.

“I’ve been to a few Caxton Streets in my time, but this year everyone is a bit more respectful,” he said.

“The banter is still great but it’s just a little bit less aggressive than I’ve seen here before, everyone is having a great time!”

“It was great to see Dom here before too!”

Kia Carroll, Ronnie Berryman, Nate Carroll-Major and Angela Carroll travelled from Charters Towers for the State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Earlier, a Maroon army and brave Blues supporters converged on Caxton Street three hours ahead of kick-off.

Queues into the Caxton Street Hotel were 40 metres long and growing at 5.05pm.

Multiple roads around Suncorp Stadium are closed to traffic, with some delays for peak hour traffic.

The line to get into the Caxton Hotel at 5pm. Photo: Steve Pohlner

It is on! Game 3 #StateofOrigin@QLDmaroons take on @NSWBlues Kick off is 8pm Caxton St is now closed between Hale St and Petrie Tce, expect delays in, around and on all approaches to @SuncorpStadium precinct #Milton#goQLD#bnetrafficpic.twitter.com/ATWcTV7el4

— QLDTrafficMetro (@QLDTrafficMetro) July 13, 2022

PREMIERS RUN GAUNTLET ON CAXTON STREET

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her New South Wales counterpart Dominic Perrottet walked down the famed street in the lead up to kick-off.

The atmosphere was brimming with state-based rivalry as Blues and Maroons supporters descended on pubs and clubs to show their true colours.

When asked who would win the game tonight, Ms Palaszczuk simply replied with “Queensland, of course!”

Mr Perrottet was swamped by the few New South Welshman brave enough to show their faces on Caxton Street, telling the Courier-Mail that while he was slightly out numbered, “that’s OK, it’s all part of the fun.

If Queensland wins, the Sydney Harbour Bridge turns Maroon. Here’s cheers to that 🥂 #QLDER@[e-mail]/3AiraiEkPa

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) July 13, 2022

“This is my first time here and it’s a great environment.”

Ms Palaszczuk was joined by her partner, Reza Adib.

NSW AND QLD COPS IN OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD ORIGIN STOUSH

Meanwhile, a State of Origin war of words has erupted online between Queensland and NSW police.

The NSW Police Force fired the first shot, reposting a deep space image from the new James Webb Telescope cheekily superimposed with a Maroons jersey.

“Looks like NASA has found a piece of space junk,” the force told its 1.3 million Facebook followers late Wednesday afternoon as Queensland and NSW prepared to do battle in the Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium.

The Queensland Police Service hit back, declaring: “Our performance tonight is gonna be out of this world. You might need those tissues, though.”

Those side-splitting comedians from NSW Police insisted on the last word: “Pretty sure you’ll be ending up with a consolation prize (or should we say a constellation prize).”

The post has drawn more than 1700 comments, with many getting in on the space-themed State of Origin rivalry.

“Hopefully aliens from a highly advanced civilisation don’t discover it and think this is a representation of all humankind ‘cause even they will support the Blues in the end,” one sadly-deluded NSW supporter wrote.

Other commenters congratulated both police departments on their sense of humour.

“Keep up your great sense of humour, it’s the only thing this country has left,” one wrote.