State of Origin win is just the cherry on the top for the Premier State

Wednesday night’s Origin win was a triumph born of grit, work ethic and heart. Of redemption stories and second chances. All traits which define our entire state, writes Nick Walshaw.

OK, so Queensland will always have the bananas.

But here in NSW … well, we have everything else.

Including the State of Origin shield.

Again.

Which is why, in every sense, NSW is Australia’s Premier State.

A truth proved on Wednesday night inside a sold-out ANZ Stadium — which, coincidentally, holds 20,000 more than anything Brisbane has to offer — when Blues superstars such as James Tedesco, Boyd Cordner, Dave Klemmer, even — gasp — Mitchell Pearce earned the most emphatic of Origin wins.

NSW’s James Tedesco (left) and Mitchell Pearce celebrate the Origin series-winning try. Picture: Phil Hillyard

And, sure, this was a triumph driven in part by that magic dust coach Brad Fittler keeps in his pockets.

But, just as importantly, it was a win born of grit, work ethic and heart. Of redemption stories and second chances. Throw in, too, some young guns, old heads and, in the case of Tedesco, the world’s best.

All traits, importantly, which not only define the city of Sydney, but our entire state.

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And for proof, consider this.

We’re growing: The NSW population is currently growing at well above its long-run average growth of 1.1 per cent.

Driven by strong immigration, the NSW Population Projections 2016 Update shows our population growing from 7.2 million in 2011 to 9.9 million by 2036.

Metropolitan Sydney will also grow from 4.2 million in 2011 to 6.4 million in 2036.

Building is booming in NSW. Picture: Nicholas Eagar

We’re building: NSW annual building approvals have been around 70,000 for a number of years and are currently well above their decade average levels. Attached and multi-dwelling units currently make up around 50 to 60 per cent of all approvals.

We’re passionate: Queensland owns Origin? Please.

NSW players have widely praised the help of a sold-out ANZ Stadium — including those thousands of Blatchy’s Blues — for getting the side home with under 30 seconds remaining on Wednesday night.

We’re employed: Sure, we could throw a few Queensland gags in here but, instead, we can just tell you about current unemployment rate of 4.6 per cent, which is all but full employment.

We’re smart with cash: Queensland paid out $5500 for coach whisperer Bradley Charles Stubbs.

Yet the Blues? They went and signed up some of the best motivators in the business — including Olympic legends Ian Thorpe and Dawn Fraser — for free. Better, our way worked.

Ian Thorpe. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Dawn Fraser. Picture: Simon Bullard

We’re learning: The NSW government is investing $6.7 billion over the next four years to deliver 190 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW.

We have heart: The NSW Origin side has spent this entire campaign giving to people around the state who are struggling, in mourning, or who simply need a reason to smile.

The gestures have come in all shapes and sizes, including the Blues donating their Origin III jerseys to fundraise for the Singleton family who tragically lost three children in a tragic house fire last month.

We’re getting around: Think the investment of some $51.2 billion for game-changing projects such as Sydney Metro and Sydney Light Rail.

These are projects that will shape our cities, centres and communities for generations to come.

We’re running the joint: Prime Minister Scott Morrison was born in Waverley, raised in Bronte and now supports the Cronulla Sharks.

We’re winning: Specifically, two Origin series in a row. And counting …