Top cop’s booze warning ahead of Origin

One of NSW’s top cops has issued a major warning for revellers to watch their drinking ahead of State of Origin, with a Blues star revealing a surprising insight in how fans have changed over the years.

Ahead of the Blues and Maroons’ clash at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, senior government and police figures have teamed with the NRL and alcohol awareness organisation DrinkWise, in a bid to highlight the importance of fans behaving appropriately and watching out for each other, wherever they watch.

Domestic violence groups 1800RESPECT, Men’s Referral Service and Indigenous support hotline 13YARN have also been named as partners in the “Always Respect, always DrinkWise campaign”.

Blues star and Sydney Roosters fullback James Tedesco said he had seen a “significant change” in fan behaviour at the hotly-contested event over the past few years.

He said excessive drinking not only ruins people’s personal experience of the match, but that it also ruined it for everyone around them.

“NRL State of Origin is an event that all players and sports fans across the country get ramped up for every year,” Mr Tedesco said during the launch of DrinkWise’s campaign this week.

“Drinking to excess can not only ruin your own experience watching the match, but it can ruin it for those around you too.”

DrinkWise’s own research has revealed more than four in five NRL fans believe having a drink – or two – at a sporting event is considered an “Australian tradition”.

But that same research found 95 per cent of people agreed responsible drinking was important.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said officers would be out in force on Wednesday, ensuring people’s safety was the “top priority”.

“Violence in any form is unacceptable,” Commissioner McFadden said.

“If you’re planning to drink and attend the game, leave your keys at home and seek alternative transport arrangements.

“We will be vigilant in protecting the safety of all patrons, so if you see anything concerning, please contact a member of the police.”

Despite this, Commissioner McFadden still said: “Every year, fan behaviour has been improving and we are confident this will be evident at this year’s match in Sydney.”

“Always respect, always DrinkWise” messaging will be displayed around the stadium precinct and across retail outlets in NSW.

Flemington Liquor Accord, Coles Liquor, Endeavour Group and Retail Drinks Australia member venues will also display messaging at licensed pubs, bottle shops and venues in and around the Accor Stadium precincts.

NRL legends Lindsay Collins, Tamika Upton, James Tedesco and Kezie Apps have also recorded messages to reach fans during the series, available through social media.

DrinkWise chief executive Simon Strahan said the partnership was an opportunity to remind all fans to enjoy great State of Origin moments and “encourage them to reach out to support services if they need help or advice about their behaviour or consumption.”

It was echoed by NSW’s Minister for Women Jodie Harrison, who said taking a “collaborative” approach was an important step to improving people’s health and safety.

The renewed campaign follows Queensland coach Billy Slater defending his decision to select Selwyn Cobbo on the bench for Wednesday night’s opener.

He explained the Broncos young gun would be able to replace anyone in the back five, should there be an injury.

But Slater will also need to find another use for Cobbo if this doesn’t happen – some having questioned his selection in the first place.

“I have spent a lot of time doing it and I know that I have spent more time watching our Queenslanders than any other person,” Slater said in response to the criticism.

“When you are in this position, you have to make decisions.”

Originally published as Top cops’ drink warning ahead of State of Origin as NRL heavyweights team up in new alcohol consumption campaign