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Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AM“Origin deniers”: Lyon’s argument staunchly defends concept
Andrew Slevison • April 28th, 2026 3:39 pm
Garry Lyon has staunchly defended the AFL’s State of Origin after questions were raised relating to the health of Victorian and Western Australian players.
His passionate defence comes after the seriousness of the concept in any future iterations was queried by Kane Cornes and David King.
The Fireball duo both felt that perhaps a recent string of injuries to star players could be traced back to the Origin game in February. As a result, they feel clubs will now be hesitant which could put Origin in jepoardy.
After WA and Western Bulldogs defender Rory Lobb injured his hamstring last week, Cornes said: “I don't know if there's any link between State of Origin and that hammy for Rory Lobb, but how reluctant are clubs going to be to allow their players to play State of Origin?”
Lyon, who was heavily involved with the Victorian team upon Origin’s return, hit back.
“Should have stopped when he said ‘I don't know’, Corn should have stopped at I don't know,” Lyon said on SEN Breakfast.
“I don't feel in any way responsible for the Western Australian team. I've got no idea what they did in the process of picking their team.
“They (Cornes and King) are Origin deniers. That's why Origin left our shores.
“This is what happens, this is why State of Origin died, because the clubs started backgrounding - I’m not saying they got backgrounded - but the media and the media run the narrative that, ‘Oh, it's no good for the clubs and the club. Will they let their players play?’”
Lyon was quick to highlight the amount of Victorian players who have been dominant since playing against WA in Perth, outlining some numbers while keeping his tongue planted firmly in cheek.
“21 of Victoria's players have played every single game or missed a single game,” Lyon added.
“Of those players, this is how bad it's been for them - Marcus Bontempelli is the third highest rated player, Nick Daicos is the second highest rated player, Zak Butters is first, Max Gawn is fifth, Max Holmes eighth, Bailey Smith tenth, Ben King's leading the goal kicking, Jack Gunston's second.
“I mean, honestly, it's really affected those blokes. That's why they won't let them play again because their form dropped off, they can't find the footy.
“They're dominating the competition!”
The downturn in form of Geelong veteran Patrick Dangerfield was floated.
But Lyon would not read into that.
“I reckon Patty Dangerfield's old enough to make his own decision on when he will and won't play, and if he wants to put his home and away season in jeopardy, that's not up to you two, that's up to him,” he added.
“I think he's earned the right to make that decision. If he's compromised himself because he's had some soft issue injuries, then so be it.
“We can't try and legislate a game where everyone comes out of it absolutely 100% injury free. We're not playing tiddlywinks.
“Because the criticism of State of Origin is - I’m not sure if these two had this conversation - but it was, ‘Oh, it'll come back, but no one will take it serious’.
“And now we take it serious, ‘Oh no, it's too serious’.”
Tim Watson asked Lyon if he believes there's a whispering campaign that has taken place with coaches and clubs behind the scenes.
“No… well, I don’t know, but you know I get a bit protective of it,” he replied.
Before the sarcasm and facetiousness really reached fever pitch.
“Ok, Hugh McCluggage has had a soft tissue. (But) Toby Greene has played seven from seven, and was best on ground on the weekend. Doesn't seem to have hurt him too much.
“Jack Sinclair, Caleb Serong have played every game, Bont’s played every game, Zach Merrett’s played every game, Butters every game, Gawn, Lachie Ash, Blake Hardwick, Holmes, Gunston missed one but he's second in the goal kicking, Josh Battle, Sam Collins, Bailey Smith, Ben King…
“Tristan Xerri played every game except the three he got suspended for. I blame State of Origin for that.
“I assure that you can blame Noah Anderson's appendix who just sat there going, ‘I’m not going to pop until he plays State of Origin and then I'll pop’. And we’ll blame it on Origin.
“Come on. Just wake up to yourself you blokes.”
Specifically regarding the Western Bulldogs, Lyon doesn’t believe the injuries sustained by Sam Darcy (ACL), Tim English (knee) and Lobb (hamstring) in particular have anything to do with Origin.
“So then maybe then you’ve got to look at the club,” he said further.
“It doesn’t seem to have affected Nick or Zak or Bailey, it didn't affect Max or the others.
“You can blame Sam Darcy’s knee reco on State of Origin if you want…
“I knew there would be people who would say, ‘We can’t have it again’. But anyway, it will keep going.”
However, Lyon did say he would be happy if Origin was reduced to 15-minute quarters as the league strives to find a happy medium which does not disrupt the home and away product.
