Noosa’s got it all. Picture: Supplied

I was born on the Sunshine Coast but now live in Sydney. I’ve spent my life moving back and forth between the two states, and have friends and family in both.

My dad’s Blue through and through, but my brother bleeds Maroon. It’s tearing me (and my family) apart.

Luckily, there’s an obvious solution. I need to forget family (sorry, guys) and go with the superior state. But which is it? To decide, I’m letting each side of my personality — the Queenslander and the New South Welshman — argue the case for the awesomeness of their state.

Let’s start with Maroon Cassie, and the top 10 reasons why Queensland is better than NSW. I’ll be back to make the case for NSW ahead of game two.

1. DOMINATING STATE OF ORIGIN

Queensland has won 10 out of the last 11 State of Origin series (the odd one out being 2014 — a loss that I’m sure pains many Queenslanders to this day). You can’t argue with that math.

2. THE GOLD COAST

Beat this. Picture: courtesy of Wotif.comSource:Supplied

So, NSW, you guys have Bondi? Manly? That’s cute.

Queensland just has the Gold Coast, one of the world’s most iconic coastlines. And if 57km of white-sand beaches and awesome surf breaks aren’t enough, there’s also lush hinterland rainforests, thrilling theme parks, and super shopping.

3. THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

The world’s most famous reef is a Queenslander through and through. Picture: SuppliedSource:News Corp Australia

One of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef is the biggest single structure of living organisms in the world, and the only one visible from space. It’s also stunning.

4. FRIENDLY LOCALS

Queensland people are the best kinds of people. Picture: Peter WallisSource:News Corp Australia

Maybe it’s the sunshine, the wide, open spaces, or the easy access to XXXX, but Queenslanders

are some of the friendliest people in the world.

They’ve always got time for a chat, even in Brisbane, and especially if they know you’re a visitor.

5. NO SYDNEY TRAFFIC

Sydney CBD during peak hour ... or lunch hour ... or any hour ... Honestly, don’t even bother.

Stay in Queensland and avoid it.

6. THE DAINTREE RAINFOREST

The glorious Daintree Rainforest. Picture: courtesy of Wotif.comSource:Supplied

The world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree is the closest thing to the lush tropical forests that once covered ancient Gondwanaland, and number two on the list of top ten national parks Aussies want to visit in 2017.

It’s kind of a big deal.

7. NEVER-ENDING SUMMER

Meanwhile, how are you doing south of the border there, NSW? Cold enough for ya?Source:News Corp Australia

Yes, it gets cold in Queensland. I’m the first to complain if the temperature drops below 20 (freezing!).

But for most of the state, and for most of the year, the days are warm and sunny, while the beaches and pools are plentiful and inviting.

If you’re not a fan of winter, ditch it and come to Queensland.

8. DUGONGS

Hey there, friend. Picture: courtesy of Wotif.comSource:Supplied

I love dugongs. They’ve got the perfect ratio of cute-to-ugly and seem like they’d make awesome friends (not that you should choose friends based on ugly-cuteness).

They occasionally make it down to northern NSW, but the best place to see them in the wild is Queensland.

Head to Moreton Bay or Clairview Dugong Sanctuary (a 90-minute drive south of Mackay).

9. GOURMET NOOSA

Noosa’s got it all. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied

A luxury destination with gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests, 5-star resorts, high-end shopping, and some of Australia’s best foodie experiences? It’s gotta be Noosa. Which is in Queensland, by the way. Just in case NSW forgot.

10. NO COCKROACHES

Don’t ask me why, but Queensland just doesn’t seem to have anywhere near as many roaches as NSW.

Are they allergic to happiness and sunshine? Maybe that’s why they prefer NSW...

Don’t worry NSW — a list of reasons why you’re better than Queensland will be coming ahead of game two on June 21.

As originally appeared on Wotif.com.