At about 7.30 tonight people from two states will be both united and divided at the same time.
United in their love of the sport of rugby league and its pinnacle State of Origin.
But at the same time divided on almost everything during the game from refereeing decisions, to perceived bias by particular commentators, even supporters of the same team will be divided on which players should have or should not have been picked.
The lead-up to the match and the day after will be followed by jibes, taunts and social media memes broadcasting the excellence of the winning side or the incompetence of the losing team.
We see this passion for the game at club level but it’s ratcheted up more than a few notches when State of Origin is played.
Many local businesses love this time of the year as well, with fans stocking up on their favourite food and drinks, and pubs and clubs receiving extra patronage, while many supporters even host State of Origin parties for their friends during all three games.
Bets will be made and many an argument will be had by friends and even among family members before the series is decided.
Many of these same arguments will continue throughout the rest of the year until the build-up for the 2017 series begins, some will continue around dinner tables and around lounge rooms for the foreseeable future.
Who is the best team, who was man of the match, who played well, who did not, who is a dirty player, who is not, which call was wrong, which call was right.
What occurs on the field tonight will divide many of us, but only in opinion.
What will unite us is our love for a game that demands the highest of skill, courage and intensity from its players and indeed even its referees and officials.
And at the end of the series when a victor is known we will then be united again as fellow countrymen.
