Move over, footy pundits — there's a new expert in town, and he’s got scales, teeth, and one serious appetite.
This morning at the Australian Reptile Park, Elvis the saltwater crocodile made his bold prediction for tonight’s State of Origin clash — and he’s backing New South Wales to bring it home!
The 4.75-metre croc, known for his cranky attitude and enormous jaws, was presented with two identical chunks of meat by zookeepers Dylan and Brandon. One keeper wore a Queensland beanie and held a red pole; the other represented the Blues, donning a NSW beanie and holding a blue pole.
The challenge? Let Elvis decide who’s got what it takes to win tonight’s big game.
In true crocodile fashion, Elvis didn’t hesitate. With a powerful lunge, he left no doubt about his loyalty — snapping up the meat offered by the NSW keeper and leaving the Maroons’ untouched.
“At first, we thought the big guy was going for the Maroons,” said Operations Manager Brandon Gifford. “But he changed his mind and snapped up the Blues’ meat — clearly a sign the NSW boys are going to chomp their way to victory!”
Elvis might be one of the country’s most fearsome reptiles, but today he was just a hungry footy fan with a favourite team.
Elvis has lived at the Australian Reptile Park since 2011 after being relocated from Darwin Harbour, where he had a habit of terrorising fishing boats. He quickly earned his reputation as 'Australia’s Crankiest Croc’ after an infamous incident where he tried to eat a lawnmower — and that attitude hasn’t changed one bit! Watch the video below to see the big man in action!
Visitors can catch Elvis in action during the Elvis Show at 1:00pm daily these school holidays!