IT was all beers, cheers and jeers in the Far North last night, as State of Origin once again brought the house down at pubs and clubs across the region.

Hundreds of diehard Queensland supporters – as well as a few lonely Blues fans – packed Brothers Leagues Club, the Cairns Courthouse Hotel and the Esplanade big screen for what was a nail-biting 16-12 loss for the mighty Queensland Maroons

Friends became foes in the lead-up to kick-off including confused duo Jason Allen and Jason Nolan who were among hundreds enjoying the revelry at the Courthouse Hotel.

Allen donned the blue jersey despite hailing from Melbourne and living in Cairns, while maroon-clad mate Nolan was from Sydney.

"I go for the Broncos too," Allen said.

Nolan added: "And I’m a Parramatta fan. I have no idea why."

Before kick-off, city venues were expecting a bumper turnout from Origin fans.

"We’ve got 50 TV screens inside to show the game, but they (the fans) all want to be out amongst the atmosphere watching it all on the big screen,’’ Cairns Courthouse Hotel owner Derek Ransome said.

"We had in excess of 1000 people last time (for Origin).’’

The big screen on the Esplanade attracted its share of diehard fans with several members of the Northern Pride among the supporters.

Former North Queensland Cowboy and Pride veteran Rob Jensen said it was the first time he had watched the game outside the house and he was looking forward to the game.

"For me I don’t have any regrets, but the biggest thing I wanted to achieve was to play State of Origin," he said.

"I’m inspired by the guys that have done it.

"For me, I think Origin is more important than playing for Australia."

Over at Brothers, fans were spread throughout three decked out viewing areas.

"We have the Queenslander Bar where we’ve got multiple televisions, and then we’ve got nine big screen TVs in the Shamrock Bar with all lounge seating, while upstairs in the auditorium we’ve got three massive screens,’’ Brothers World of Entertainment promotions manager Jeff Mizen said.

"It’s a great atmosphere, especially in the auditorium, it’s full on,’’ he added.

"Everyone gets pretty fired up, when someone scores you can hear it right throughout the whole building.’’

Mr Mizen said fans young and old were treated to plenty of entertainment at Brothers last night, including face painting, ball game competitions, and a footy jersey raffle.

It all capped off a great night of Origin mayhem.

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