As the NSW VB Blues prepare to take an historic series win in front of their home fans - following their most dominant win on Queensland soil ever - there has been a feeling throughout camp that the wave of support is larger than ever before. Now, thanks to location-based data, it's official.
For the first time ever, the NSWRL has learned the geographic backgrounds of its ticketholders, allowing it to understand where most of the support has come from. The data confirms that, along with Far Away Fans from beyond the NSW border, the majority of the state is well and truly behind its team in 2017, with more than 35 per cent of tickets being sold to areas outside of Sydney.
Always a keen advocate for public support for his team, coach Laurie Daley was pleased with the news.
"I think it’s wonderful to see that we will have fans spread so far and wide across NSW," Daley says, emphasising the fans' importance.
"With one game at home for us this year it’s never been more important for the whole of the state to be united. We will face a greater challenge at ANZ Stadium next Wednesday night than we did in Game One so it is vital for the whole state to be united behind this team.
"I can tell you that every player appreciates that support and we will need it next Wednesday night."
While ticket sales for Origin II have been strong and widespread so far, the VB Blues have put the call out to ensure that every corner of the state is represented in the large crowd at ANZ Stadium. The map below demonstrates those areas which are yet to purchase tickets for the clash.
