Flashback: Rugby League legend and Gold Coast MP Mick Veivers’ 1988 State of Origin commentary slammed

‘YOBBISH’ — That was the word used to describe a Gold Coast rugby league legend’s commentary on State of Origin, sparking a classic response.

IT’S the time of the year where it’s going to be mate against mate and state against state.

That’s right, State of Origin is back this week for what is expected to be one of the most momentous in the much-hailed series’ near 40-year history.

With many of the veteran players of the past decade gone or retiring at the end of this series, it’s going to be three games worth watching.

This year’s games are set to be called by Wally Lewis, Phil Gould and other luminaries of the game.

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Billy Slater during the 2017 State of Origin (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

But it was a different story 30 years ago this week as a Gold Coast footy legend took his seat in the commentary box.

Mick Veivers made his name playing rugby league during some of its toughest times in the 1960s, first for Souths Magpies in the Brisbane premiership and later with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.

During his career he represented Queensland and Australia.

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Mick Veivers with ball during his league career in 1966.

By 1988 his footy days were long over and Mr Veivers was the newly elected MP for Southport and serving in the Ahern State Government.

His skills in the commentary box and knowledge of the game were tapped into when he was named in the team to call the second game of the 1988 series at Lang Park in Brisbane.

Game One saw Queensland win 26-18 against NSW in the first game the team had ever played without Wally Lewis who was ruled out with a shoulder injury, leaving Paul Vautin to captain.

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Veivers in 1987 during his political career. Pic: Grahame Long

Game Two, which was played on May 31 and resulted in a 16-6 Maroons win, went down in infamy after Lewis was sin-binned after an all-in brawl, leading fans to hurl their beer cans on to the field.

Another controversy off the field was Veivers’ commentary, which drew criticisms from locals.

Broadbeach resident Anthony Boag wrote a letter to the editor of the Gold Coast Bulletin offering scathing criticism of Mr Veivers.

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Paul Vautin is tackled by Peter Sterling during Game 1 of the NSW v Queensland State of Origin series at the SFS in Sydney 17/05/1988.

“My annoyance with Veivers’ commentating style goes back years but it was last week’s game and his yobbish, almost unbelievable comments, which prompt this letter.

“During this telecast, which was, as to be expected, biased, Mick Veivers condoned the fighting.

“On one occasion after a Queenslander had thumped a New South Welshman, Veivers commented ‘I like to see that, a bloke has to defend himself’.

Queensland forward Sam Backo manages to get his pass away to Allan Langer. Picture by Jim Fenwick

The Member for Southport decided to respond in kind, hitting back at Mr Boag’s comments.

He told the Bulletin he had “no problem” wearing the two hats of politician and rugby league commentator.

Mr Veivers said he had never been reprimanded by Premier Mike Ahern for his commentating, “quite the contrary” he said.

He refused to speak further about the incident.

But his television bosses threw their support behind him.

Wally Lewis is brought down by Mark McGaw.

“Mick is a very down to earth kind of person and so are his commentaries,” said Channel 9 executive producer John Evans.

“He has never caused the station any embarrassment.”

The Maroons went on to dominate in Game Three of the series to deliver their first 3-0 whitewash.

Queenslanders will be hoping for another this year.