Stars Dazzle in ‘Spiteful’ Origin Return, But Duo Faces Consequences – LIVE

In a much-anticipated return, Origin footy faced an unexpected halt just 20 minutes into the match at Optus Stadium in Perth. Blues defender Jacob Weitering was stretchered off after a heavy landing in a clash involving teammates and opponents.

Injury and Immediate Consequences

During the opening quarter of the match between Western Australia (WA) and Victoria, Weitering lay prone on the field, leading to almost ten minutes of paused play. Fox Footy’s Anthony Hudson feared the worst as players from both teams rushed to his aid. With an estimated combined weight of 200 kg landing on him, concerns centered around potential shoulder and concussion injuries. Later updates confirmed that Weitering was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Other Player Concerns

• Mitch Georgiades and Sam Taylor were also sidelined for WA due to hamstring awareness.
• Weitering’s exit marked a significant early setback for Victoria.

Historic Match Details

This match marked the return of Origin footy, absent from the AFL for over 26 years. The last Origin clash took place in 1992 at the MCG, where Victoria defeated WA by 67 points. Saturday’s game represented Western Australia’s first Origin appearance since 1998.

Coaches and Game Expectations

Victoria’s coach, Chris Scott, expressed confidence in his team’s potential, asserting it as the best lineup he had ever seen. He acknowledged prior games as less serious and emphasized the honor of representing their states. With a focus on putting on a solid performance, Scott added, “We don’t want to do a disservice to the spirit of this game.”

WA coach Dean Cox addressed concerns about the appropriateness of having active coaches in the Origin setup. While denying any intent to recruit players, he reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the team performed well, stating, “It’s not about recruiting.”

Match Viewing Details

The Origin match commenced at 7:40 PM AEDT, with coverage available through Fox Footy, Kayo Sports, and Foxtel. Fans eagerly awaited a clash expected to revive the rich history of AFL Origin football.