Cripps and Greene kill notion of Origin "friendly"

Concerns over the intensity of AFL Origin have been put to bed, with Victorian selector Garry Lyon and star competitors Patrick Cripps and Toby Greene vowing to compete in the upcoming clash.

With Origin scheduled just weeks prior to Opening Round, concerns of injuries from clubland have echoed across the build-up, with minute limitations already in the scope for a number of competing players.

Victorian legend Tim Watson questioned the sentiment, voicing his apprehension over the future of Origin if this year's contest between WA and Victoria isn’t taken seriously.

“I’ve got one question mark against this,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.

“If I turn my TV set on on the weekend and it looks like an exhibition game, then I don’t think this is going to fly at all.

“It has to look like a real game of football, where players are playing like they would if they were playing a week in, week out home and away game.”

Lyon, who was named Chair of Selectors for the Victorian team, has confirmed that this won’t be the case.

“We had our first zoom with all of our players, and the first thing Chris Scott (Vic coach) said was addressing that notion,” Lyon revealed.

“‘If you think this is a kick and catch and a muck around, then don’t play.’

“When you’re hearing that from Chris Scott, and you’ve got Sam Mitchell backing him up… I don’t have an issue with that at all.

“If it’s a blow out one way or the other halfway through the last quarter then maybe the intensity might not be there, but it’s going to be on.”

Echoed by Carlton and WA superstar Patrick Cripps, the WA side is prepared to hit the contest hard out of respect for both the game and the state jersey.

“I can only speak for the WA boys, but we are going to take it seriously,” Cripps said on SEN Breakfast.

“There’s a couple of reasons for it. One, obviously the pride to play for your state, which we thought we’d never get the opportunity to do again.

“Two, I’m about two and a half weeks from Round 0 against the Swans. For our preparation, we need this contest.

“I’m sure Toby would be the same - there’s a ball in between me and him, none of us are going to take a backwards step. That’s the way we’re going to play, and I think there’s a respect of the game.

“The AFL put this back on, the Origin is a special part of our game that’s missed a generation, so we want to put on a show, but once we retire, I want to see more players be able to pull on the jumper again and play for their state.

“It’s something that carries a fair bit of weight, and we want to do it with a fair bit of respect.”

“Living in Sydney for the last 15 years, you see how much people care about Origin when it comes around in Rugby League,” said GWS skipper and Victorian forward Toby Greene.

“Exactly what Paddy said, you wan to do the right thing by your state. Also, we want to make sure it’s treated in the right manner, and going forward it’s a real highlight for players on the calendar.

“It’s the right time of year – we need a really good hit out and it’s a great roll into the season.”

The contest between WA and Victoria is set for this Saturday the 14th of February at Optus Stadium.