Chaos at Origin: Blues Star Connor Watson Dodges Flying Can in Shocking Fan Attack
In a shocking and dangerous moment following Wednesday night’s intense State of Origin clash, NSW Blues and Roosters utility Connor Watson narrowly avoided injury after a can of Canadian Club was thrown in his direction as he left the field. The incident occurred amidst the emotional aftermath of the Blues’ defeat, as tensions ran high among fans.
Watson, visibly shaken but unharmed, told The Daily Telegraph that the can landed right next to him, making it clear that it was deliberately thrown. “As I’m walking, a can of Canadian Club lands right next to me — it’s like someone had thrown it at me,” he said. “There’s no excuse for that kind of behaviour. Someone could have been seriously hurt.”
Security personnel quickly responded to the incident, but the person responsible had already disappeared into the crowd. Stadium officials confirmed that CCTV footage is being reviewed in an effort to identify the individual involved.
The act has drawn widespread condemnation from both fans and officials, who say that such behaviour has no place in the game. Disappointment over a team’s performance is understandable, but turning that frustration into violence is completely unacceptable. If caught, the perpetrator could face a stadium ban and potential legal action.
“This isn’t passion — it’s dangerous and reckless,” said a senior stadium official. “If a fan thinks it’s okay to throw projectiles, they should be banned permanently. We want our players and other spectators to feel safe.”
As the NRL and stadium authorities investigate, many are calling for harsher penalties to deter future incidents — reminding everyone that respect, even in defeat, is a fundamental part of sport.
