State of Origin movie ‘The Underdogs’ in the works

by Dov Kornits

“Sport and film evoke the triumph of human spirit in a powerful way,” says The Underdogs director/producer Neil McGregor in a well-timed announcement on the eve of the first game in the 2020 State of Origin series. “The great rivalry of the State of Origin, while it may divide us by a line on the map, it also unites us in a very unique, Australian way. This first Origin game is a crucial event in our country’s sporting and cultural history, and this story needs to be told.”

The Underdogs is being developed in cane toad territory, and appropriately, will focus on one of the true legends of the game, Indigenous, Roma, Queensland born Arthur ‘Artie’ Beetson. In 1980, politician Ron McAuliffe called the former Roosters titan, who was in the twilight of his career, to revive rugby league in Queensland.

“40 years ago I ran onto the field and played that first game with Artie,” said former player Colin Scott. “It stands as one of the defining moments in Australia’s s proud sporting history and humbling to know a movie will be made about it and rightly so. The story of State of Origin is for everyone who loves a story about an Aussie Battler who wins against all odds, like we did back 1980.”

“State of Origin has been the one sporting event in my life that I have never missed,” says producer EJ Garrett. “I recall family events where we all gathered to watch the mighty maroons battle the hated blues. Growing up I looked on in awe as the stars of the game were immortalised because of their courageous feats during these ferocious battles. It was State against State and mate against mate. As a storyteller, the opportunity to bring the first ever State of Origin game to the big screen is a privilege but also a big responsibility. The history of the State of Origin is an important story that helps to define Queensland and Queenslanders. This film will also promote the game that I love, the greatest game of all, Rugby League.”

Photo: EJ Garrett (Producer) Brad Beetson (Artie Beetson’s son), Colin Scott (Former Origin Great) and Neil McGregor (Director/Producer), with Artie Beetson Statue, Suncorp Stadium