The Centenary of Rugby League would not be the same if Origin, the biggest success story of the code, didn’t have a decider.

What interests me is how could a referee dramatically change his interpretation of the rules from first game to last Wednesday’s demolition of the Blues?

If I wasn’t so happy I would be wondering if some higher power had a whisper in Tony Archer’s shell-like ear and told him to make sure the second game was an attacking spectacle, therefore opening things up for the dynamic Maroons backline.

I have never seen such a turnaround between one game and the next, unless there had been completely different referees.

Archer looked like Archer and sounded like him, but he certainly had had an attitude adjustment from what he left in Sydney.

No argument from this redneck about the change but if the reverse happens in July in Sydney then I might have to call him Tony Hyde.

A cake-eating Lion

The other rainy night I was up the shops and ran into one of the big boppers from the Thirsty Lions over-35 rugby team and asked him why he wasn’t at training.

“Too wet, I thought I’d come up and buy a cake,” he replied.

It didn’t look like he was sharing either. He had it tucked up under his arm like a footy on the way to the try line.

I also heard the boys played in a carnival and at the start of their second game last weekend and their illustrious skipper, Mick Cook, ran on, took the toss, subsequently kicked off and then walked off the field saying: “Chaps, my work is done.”

‘Hammer’ goes close

Former colourful local Doug “The Hammer” Scouller, who is now an award-winning motelier in the Gulf, added another string to his strange bow a couple of weeks ago.

He was flown to Brisbane as the North Queensland champion to compete for the best punter in Queensland title, with the winner taking home $20,000.

He got to the last race with a tally of a bit over $500, keeping in mind punters were allowed to keep whatever they won.

The “Hammer” had the lot, less his cab fare back to his hotel, on a 100-1 shot each way and all it needed to do was run third and he would win the day.

The horse was called Lady Avacan and it nearly did the job for Doug, getting in a photo for third but sadly running fourth.

Good days out

Two very important dates to remember.

One is A Beer with Probes at Mooloolaba Surf Club on June 27. The night is to support Tony Proberts, one of the Coast league community’s top blokes who is battling poor health.

Host Cameron Meninga has organised league legend Tommy Raudonikis as special guest and it is only $40 ticket all inclusive. Give the club a ring for tickets on 54441300.

The Coolum Hotel and Bowls Club are combining for a huge breast cancer fundraising day on Sunday June 22.

It is $20 which includes golf in the morning, bowls in the afternoon, a sausage sizzle and entertainment. Ring Bob on 1800 800266 to book.