Yesterday Premier Mike Baird visited Maitland with news of a Lower Hunter hospital to open before 2019, on Monday a truck driver narrowly escaped death on the New England Highway, while the Mindaribba museum relaunched this week after a two-year closure.

Not only that but other sporting events probably supersede State of Origin at the moment with a certain round ball code playing out a World Cup, the Tour de France rolling around and another enthralling edition of Wimbledon wrapping up.

However, excuse us for a second while we bask in the glory of winning that sought-after rugby league title back after eight straight years of losing campaigns.

Last night NSW officially ended the 2014 series with a disappointing 32-8 loss to Queensland at Suncorp Stadium after claiming the first two encounters.

But what mattered most was the fact Blues skipper Paul Gallen, much to the displeasure of the Brisbane crowd, was able to hold that shield aloft.

And importantly was the hope which this instilled in aspiring young players in Maitland and across the state, many who had never tasted a NSW victory, and the strong message which was sent –  “never give up”.

Just like when Queensland started their run back in 2006 – in a world minus Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, iPhones and One Direction– they ­toppled more fancied opponents and started one of the sport’s strongest dynasties.

What happens next remains to be seen but, for the first time in a long time, it certainly feels better to be on the other side of the sporting ledger.