By JONATHON HOWARD
IT’S that time of year again – State of Origin time.
Game one started the Origin series last night and Noosa residents were fired up for Australia’s biggest state-versus-state rivalry.
Both Queensland and NSW merchandise was flying off the shelves at Flash Harry’s inside the Noosaville Civic Shopping Centre.
Manager Andrew Thiele said merchandise sales had been mixed between the two teams – but a lot more Blues’ stock had sold last year.
“We saw a lot of NSW merchandise sold in Noosa last year, but it’s a bit early to tell at the moment,” he said.
Mr Thiele, who is a fierce Blues supporter, said he was shocked to see the store covered in maroon when he recently returned from holidays.
“I come back to find our second in charge (2IC), Sonya, has turned the shop maroon,” he said.
“So I decided to add a bit of blue – to keep it fair.”
The 2IC and Maroons supporter Sonya Healey said she was expecting another Blues’ thrashing.
“It will be so for Queensland – nine in a row,” she said.
However, Mr Thiele said Queensland enters the series with “a lot more to lose”.
“There’s plenty for Queensland to lose this year, including their reputation – watch those blues,” he said.
