THE Blues mowed down the Maroons and Geoff Watson’s beard copped a mowing of its own.
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A diehard Queensland supporter, Mr Watson yesterday “paid up” on his State of Origin bet with good mate Lester Solomons, having the face fuzz he’s worn for 25 years sheared off in front of a crowd at City Plaza.
And in a sporting gesture befitting of the occasion, Mr Solomons made a last-minute decision to have his head shaved, despite being the winner of the bet.
The knockabout duo struck the bet after years of friendly Origin rivalry, deciding to use it as a fundraiser for the Leukemia Foundation.
Mr Solomons, who lost his mum to leaukemia five years ago, said it had been a “hair-raising” experience.
“I was due for a haircut and it actually doesn’t look too bad; they tell me it’s made me look younger,” Mr Solomons said.
“It’s just been a great experience and the public support has been amazing.”
Teena Walmsley from Price Attack was on clipper duty, while City Plaza management collected more than $150 from local shop owners.
Mr Watson said he was still getting used to being beardless.
“It’s bloody cold, I know that,” he said.
“Everyone says I look like a different man.”
So does his wife Donna like the new, clean-cut look?
“She doesn’t mind the haircut but she’s cranky with me at the moment because I got a Maroons tattoo on my shoulder last week,” Mr Watson said.
Strangely, Mr Watson is a born and bred New South Welshman but has developed an affinity with the Queensland side, possibly as a way to stir up his mates.
The pair will continue fundraising until after State of Origin III on July 9.
Donation tins are situated at Wendy’s in Shoppingworld.