John ‘Cracker’ McDonald loves State of Origin passion

LEAGUE: You’d be hard pressed to find a man more passionate about Queensland Rugby League than John “Cracker” McDonald.

MAROON PRIDE: Toowoomba rugby league legend John McDonald admires Cobb and Co Museum’s new Ancient Rome: The Empire that Shaped the World exhibition. The museum has decked out two gladiators in Queensland and News South Wales colours to celebrate State of Origin.

The blistering quick McDonald, who played for Queensland and Australia, also made a name for himself as a well-credentialed coach and one of the game’s greatest administrators.

In 1980, he coached Queensland to a 20-10 win in the first ever State of Origin game.

The match was played under “new rules” which meant players lined up for the state they were born in – not where they played.

The rule was the key to the rise of State of Origin football, according to McDonald.

“Before that, you used to play for the state you played in,” said McDonald, who played for NSW three times during his stint with Manly-Warringah in NSWRFL.

“Queensland had an enormous job trying to encourage players because there was a lot more money in league in New South Wales because of the pokies.

“As a Queenslander, though, you always wanted to play for your home state.

“Once the rule changed, things were a lot better.”

With so many fond Origin memories to draw from, McDonald singled out the feats of a Maroon legend.

“I have so many fond memories of Origin football,” he said.

“It’s hard to pick one, but watching Artie Beetson play for Queensland was very special.

“The great support from the fans is also special.

“When you look at the stadium, it’s not just fans from Brisbane.

“The fans come from all over Queensland because they love the team and are so passionate.”

Originally published as John ‘Cracker’ McDonald loves State of Origin passion