‘Hollow’: Maroons’ Origin shield presentation is an ‘embarrassment’

State of Origin is the showpiece event of the rugby league season but the climax of Queensland’s series win has been savaged by fans.

The 75,000-strong crowd left just a smattering of Maroons. Photo: Twitter

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Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans has lifted the State of Origin Shield for the second straight season despite a game three loss which sucked all the oxygen out of the celebrations.

The Maroons won the war, claiming the series after the first two games before the 24-10 loss to NSW in Sydney in game three avoided the clean sweep.

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While Queensland were the deserving winners of the series, it’s impossible not to believe it would have been a better spectacle for the Maroons to lift the shield in front of their home fans.

The shield was in Queensland for game two and after the state’s 32-6 win in game two wrapped up the series, Suncorp Stadium would have gone off had they lifted the trophy.

Breaking his silence amid the RLPA’s media boycott, Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans told the fans that lifting the Shield “is all for you”.

But when NSW pulled off a 24-10 win in game three in front of more than 75,000 fans, the Blues fans flooded out of the ground.

Cherry-Evans was still happy. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

The Blues fans didn’t want to see that. Picture: Twitter

It’s a debate which has long been held as the presentation left a lot to be desired for the Maroons.

News Corp’s Dave Riccio tweeted: “Firm believer, the Origin shield should be presented after game two should the series be sealed there and then. Understandably flat post-match from Queensland.”

Asked by a fan what if it wasn’t in front of home fans, to which Riccio replied: “Mmmm …. good point, probably leave it open for team to decide on the night should they seal it.”

However, he wasn’t the only person to feel like the Queenslanders lifting the shield in front of a smattering of fans was not a great look for rugby league’s showpiece event.

This game again proving why the shield should be presented when the series is won. Queensland likely to lift it on enemy territory after a loss. A bit hollow for both teams. #origin

— Ed Jackson (@edjacko) July 12, 2023

Qld should have received the shield at their home ground after the series win.

It's ridiculous having it after the fact in Sydney. #Origin

— Sandy Hunter (@sandyhunter2) July 12, 2023

That shield presentation just proves QLD should’ve got the shield after game 2. That was dull #Origin

— Brad (@bradfogarty101) July 12, 2023

this is why states should be allowed to have the shield awarded to them in game two if they win it in their home state. qld deserved to lift that shield at suncorp #Origin

— abby (@lowkeyabby) July 12, 2023

The fact QLD weren't allowed to lift the shield after Origin 2 remains a fkn embarrassment

— Sutho Dan (@suthodan) July 12, 2023

The Maroons had the stadium to themselves. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

It wasn’t just social media that felt it was a bit flatter than the Maroons deserved.

Billy Slater’s wife Nicole told Channel 9 it was strange to lift the shield despite losing.

“It’s been amazing being a player’s wife to now being a coach’s wife,” she said. “He has handled it with such grace. Obviously tonight there is a bit of a weird feeling but overall he couldn’t be prouder.”

Slater himself admitted there were “mixed emotions”, adding that the players were “disappointed” with the loss.

And if the NRL want their showpiece event to have the right ending, they have to make the change and allow teams to lift the shield in front of their home fans if they win it in two.

It’s the right thing to do.