State of Origin: Shaun the Sheep backing Queensland over NSW

Owners of a property that pays homage to Queensland sport teams is flying maroon livery in all its glory ahead of the crucial State of Origin decider next Wednesday.

Allan Kangas, who along with Mal Meninga turned 64 on Monday, said he was a fervent Parramatta and more recently North Queensland supporter, with partner Charlaine Morris backing the Dolphins. Picture: Cameron Bates

Owners of a property that pays homage to Queensland holidays and sports teams is flying maroon livery in all its glory ahead of the crucial State of Origin decider next Wednesday.

The otherwise unremarkable single-level, high-set home on the corner of Francis and Christie streets next to Ingham Woolworths in Hinchinbrook has become a local icon known for its home-made banners as well as Shaun the Sheep statue and its array of costumes.

Allan Kangas, who along with Mal Meninga turned 64 on Monday, said he was a fervent Parramatta and more recently North Queensland supporter, with partner Charlaine Morris backing the Dolphins.

“He changes really, Easter, Christmas, every special occasion, he’s got clothing for everything just about,” Mr Kangas said.

“Ash Barty,” Ms Morris continued, “When she was playing we dressed him up as a tennis player with the balls and everything.”

“And the Melbourne Cup,” Mr Kangas added, “I’ve got a whip and a jockey’s outfit.”

Allan Kangas, who along with Mal Meninga turned 64 on Monday, said he was a fervent Parramatta and more recently North Queensland supporter, with partner Charlaine Morris backing the Dolphins. Picture: Cameron Bates

The pair said people were always stopping to take photos but Shawn was the star of the show.

“All the people coming past enjoy it, even from New South Wales, they yell out, ‘go, New South Wales’, and all the Queensland supporters, they see the flags and can’t help themselves, they all sing out, it’s lots of fun,” Mr Kangas said.

In addition to celebrating his birthday, Mr Kangas returned to work as an electrician on Monday after 18 months successfully fighting throat cancer.

He said it was a no-brainer that Queensland would retain the Origin Shield in Brisbane on July 17 given the decider was a home game and the first half of the second game was uncharacteristically poor.

“That second game we played so badly in the first half, but the second half of footy was pretty equal so all we’ve got to do is fix up that first half, the first 20 minutes.”

Mr Kangas said New South Wales had lost Latrell Mitchell while Selwyn Cobbo was returning for the Queensland Cane Toads.

“I can’t see any negatives.”

Originally published as State of Origin: Shaun the Sheep backing Queensland over NSW