Post Origin Day

I've never understood the mania surround Origin Night. It's practially observed as National Day of Sitting Around With Mates, Drinking VB, Screaming Intermittently at the Television and Chucking a Sicky Tomorrow.

What really baffles me is how seriously fans are about keeping that night clear. I've heard of husbands practically begging their pregnant wives not to go into labour on Origin Night and of fiances complaining that their chosen wedding reception venue is only available on Origin Night but that he won't budge. Apparently nothing comes before Origin Night.

Perhaps, instead of celebrating the Queen's birthday (which precious few actually celebrate) with a public holiday, why not call it Post Origin Day - a day of recovery. And for all those Origin widowed women who, unlike some equally enthusiastic footy fans, may Post Origin Day be a day when women take the credit card, leave the kids at home (with sore-headed husbands) and shop to their heart's content. All's fair in love and war.