Footy fans demand ‘ridiculous’ State Origin tradition be dropped after ’embarrassing’ scenes

Fed up football fans have called for a ‘ridiculous’ State Origin tradition to be scrapped after ’embarrassing’ scenes in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Brad Fittler’s Blues made some proud saves after a 24-10 win at Accor Stadium, but felt deflated moments later as Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans hoisted the trophy.

As Queensland had already completed the series, many supporters felt the honor should have been given after the second game at Suncorp Stadium on 21 June.

Opinion gained further traction as dozens of NSW fans left the ground as Cherry-Evans enjoyed his moment in enemy territory.

And it didn’t take long for fans to voice their opinions on social media.

Journalist Ed Jackson spoke for many when he tweeted: ‘This game proves again why the shield should be presented when the series is won. A bit hollow for both teams.’

“What a feeling for the guys drafted into NSW. Now sit back after a well-deserved victory and watch the opponent lift the trophy. Rough,” another tweeted.

A die-hard Queensland supporter weighed in: ‘This is why states should get the shield in game two if they win it in their home state. She deserved to lift that shield at Suncorp.”

Billy Slater’s wife, Nicole, told Channel 9 after the match that it was strange to lift the silverware – despite losing game three in extensive fashion.

“It was great to be a player’s wife and now to be a coach’s wife,” she said.

Brad Fittler’s Blues saved some pride after a 24-10 win at Accor Stadium in game three

Supporters have also not heard from Bradman Best (pictured left) due to the ongoing power struggle between the NRL and the Rugby League Players Association

“He handled it with such grace. Of course there’s a bit of a weird feeling tonight, but overall he couldn’t be prouder.’

And due to the ongoing power struggle between the NRL and the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA), fans were left short when it came to live TV interaction with their heroes.

In farcical half-time scenes, Channel 9’s Danika Mason resorted to interviewing fellow and former NSW skipper Paul Gallen, as players from both sides raced past and made their way to the sheds.

While Cherry-Evans later broke his silence on stage, many NSW fans would have loved to hear the thoughts of two-time hero Bradman Best following his impressive debut and man of the match Cody Walker.

Fittler’s tenure as head coach after this series also remains up in the air, but he appears to be on borrowed time, with Michael Maguire a possible replacement in 2024.