For Origin football to again stir emotions, Saturday’s clash between Western Australia and Victoria at Optus Stadium must be a success.

League headquarters, players and fans have – so far – bought into the concept as it emerges from mothballs for the first since 1999. But all parties now have a responsibility to get this right, if it’s to remain, and become a regular fixture on the footy calendar. Here’s what needs to happen.

WA captain Patrick Cripps and his Victorian counterpart Marcus Bontempelli get in the mood for State of Origin.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

No major injuries; but no shirking the contest

No, we don’t expect this clash to be played with the full ferocity of the 1980s or early ’90s when Origin was at its peak. Nor do we expect it to be played with the brutality of rugby league’s showpiece events. But there has to be a willingness to be strong in the contest, to tackle, and to take – and deliver – hits (legally) if fans are to embrace this product.

“The boys will be having a crack,” dual Brisbane Lions premiership star and WA forward Charlie Cameron insisted.

Yes, there will be heart-in-mouth moments at club land any time a player hits the turf, or clutches at a sore joint, but that’s life in contact sport.

Tackling can bring trouble – just ask South Australian Tony Hall after he was brought down by Andy Collins, his Hawthorn teammate and Victorian opponent, in a muddy ’89 clash at the MCG, which left Hall requiring a knee reconstruction. But the threat of injuries is ever-present in sport, so if that means Jacob Weitering must lay a fierce tackle on fellow Blues star Patrick Cripps,........

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