3 minute read

Hundreds of Origin fans have rocked up in the heart of Perth to greet their heroes, and one of them fired a barb at Queensland coach Billy Slater.

Cockroach costumes, flying insults and a subdued cheer for the Perth Bears - welcome to State of Origin fever, WA style.

There was plenty of maroon and blue on display as hundreds of fans turned out in the heart of the Perth CBD on Tuesday to assist the official State of Origin game two pre-match press conference.

Holding a press conference in a public setting is somewhat risky business. Queensland coach Billy Slater wore an early barb when a NSW fan yelled out, "Feeling the pressure Billy?" and followed it up with a cackle.

Slater coached Queensland to Origin glory in 2022 and 2023, but he's in the spotlight now after his side dropped last year's series and lost the 2025 opener 18-6 at Suncorp Stadium.

If NSW manage to wrap up the series at Perth's Optus Stadium on Wednesday night, Slater's time at the helm could come to an abrupt end.

Maroons fans were quick to show their support for Slater, and make newly-appointed captain Cameron Munster feel at home with a loud cheer.

NSW supporters made their presence felt too, with a huge cheer when coach Laurie Daley, captain Isaah Yeo and star Nathan Cleary were introduced.

But it seems there is only lukewarm love for the Perth Bears, who will become the NRL's 18th team in 2027.

Fans only cheered half-heartedly when the MC tried to build up the excitement by mentioning the 2027 arrival of the Bears.

The message was clear: rusted-on rugby league fans who already have a beloved NRL side will take some convincing to make room in their heart for the Bears.

Although there wasn't much support shown for the Bears on Tuesday, there was plenty of attention given to a cockroach.

With the Blues often referred to as the Cockroaches, one fan went to a great deal of effort by dressing up as the insect. 

Sadly for the Maroons, AKA the Cane Toads, there wasn't the same dedication from their fans.

Organisers hope the crowd for Wednesday's match will reach close to 60,000.

Between eight to 30mm of rain is forecast for Perth on Wednesday, and it remains to be seen whether it will be the Cane Toads or the Cockroaches who will thrive in the wet conditions.