Queensland Reds forward Angus Scott-Young says State of Union would give rugby a much-needed boost
The Reds are in favour of rugby emulating league’s State of Origin series with its own State of Union.
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Passionate Queenslander Angus Scott-Young has backed plans for a “State of Union” series rugby officials hope can emulate the success league’s State of Origin juggernaut.
As part of Rugby Australia’s broadcast offerings to prospective buyers, a State of Union competition between Queensland and New South Wales has been included.
Players would represent their state of birth or the state where the played the club rugby.
Currently the Reds play the Waratahs for Bob Templeton Cup in interstate matches that are part of the Super Rugby AU competition.
But State of the Union would take the rivalry to another level.
“That tribalism between Queensland and New South Wales is something that everyone feels up in Queensland, I know that,” said Reds forward Scott-Young, still seething after his side’s 45-12 loss to the Waratahs last Saturday night at the SCG.
“You would have seen on the weekend it didn’t go our way and we were pretty annoyed.
In the second half there were a few little tussles there.
“I’m sure the New South Welshmen don’t like us much. That just adds to the excitement of the game.”
Scott-Young said the State of Origin rugby league series was his “highlight of the year”.
“I think State of Origin’s the gem of rugby league. I think we can translate that to a union context and I think it should generate some excitement, which I think is well needed at the moment,” said the son former Queensland rugby enforcer Sam Scott-Young.
“We’ve had a tough time with COVID in the past and any new innovation, any new product we can really bring to entice broadcasters is awesome.
“I think it’s pretty exciting.”
Scott-Young, whose Reds side is seeking Super Rugby AU redemption against the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium, also supported calls for a trans-Tasman competition next season.
“Looking at the quality of their (New Zealand’s) Super Rugby tournament down there, it’s been unreal,” he said.
“Joining them with the Super Rugby AU would be a perfect mix.”
The Reds have dropped to fourth on the Super Rugby AU ladder after back-to-back losses.
Scott-Young said Queensland had gone “back to basics” in the hope solving the line-out problems that continue to haunt the Reds.
“Line-outs should be pretty simple. We should get in, get up, steal the ball, win the ball and play on,” he said.
“We’ve put a lot of effort into that (on Tuesday) and we will on Thursday, and hopefully we get a better return come this weekend.”
Originally published as Queensland Reds forward Angus Scott-Young says State of Union would give rugby a much-needed boost