When will State of Origin actually kick off? It’s the age-old question rugby league fans have battled with Origin after Origin.
There has been an improvement in the first two games of this year’s series, but a decider starting on time? Now that has never happened! Here, you can vote what time the Game 3 kick-off time will be in kick-off bingo.
More Origin 3 coverage:
» Game 3 match report: Maroons keep their dynasty alive after smashing the Blues
» Five talking points from Origin Game 3
» WATCH: Highlights from Origin Game 3
» How it happened: Re-live Game 3 with our Origin live scores, blog and highlights
Game 1 of this year’s series kicked off at 8:16pm (AEST) and Game 2 at 8:15pm, despite the official advertised time being 8pm and the NRL run-sheet reportedly saying 8:12pm for both games.
There haven’t been any announced changes to the run sheet and it’s again been noted that kick-off should be around 8:12pm for what could potentially be one of the most-watched rugby league games in history.
The interesting element to note about the decider is that the curtain raiser, featuring the Under 16s State of Origin, isn’t due to end until 7:40pm, because kick-off is delayed until 5:50pm. You can read all about that in The Roar‘s Origin 3 complete schedule.
Before Game 2, the curtain-raiser – which was the Under 18s match – was over half an hour earlier. Furthermore, there was no special presentation to be made for Johnathan Thurston, which could take some time alongside the pre-match entertainment.
So with that being said, it’s difficult to see kick-off being as early as it was in the first two games. Still, the reason we haven’t been delayed past 8:20pm this year as we have previously is the media and public pressure put on the NRL, so the game’s organisers will again be under the pump to get the game underway as early as possible.
But, we want to know what you think. On the form below, you can cast your vote for kick-off and we will update this article with a result at 7:30pm (AEST) this evening.
Wayne
Roar Guru
8:16pm
Scott Pryde
Expert
Bernard Fanning is performing - he is the former lead singer of Powderfinger.
Regan
Guest
11.59pm. ridiculous. The schedule they havd isn't a schedule, it's a best case scenario but keep in mind, best case scenario means less ads!
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
Is a band playing to a disinterested audience in the pre-game?
Chinmay Hejmadi
Roar Guru
My initial thought was 8.22, but I think they'll go for 8.17 just to complete the trifecta of 8.15, 8.16 and 8.17 kickoffs. (Won't be 8.14 because, come on, you think they'll start early!?)
J.C.
Roar Pro
Pure gensis bigj
John
Guest
I forgot about the amount of ads this could attract should change mine to 8:00AM in that case.
JD St George
Roar Pro
I don't know why it's an option but I've gone for 2 am
Bunney
Roar Rookie
I've locked in 8.25pm Its a decider...so much anticipation...so much to talk about...so many ads
insomniac
Guest
I don't really care but 8.32pm
Rellum
Roar Guru
I have said 8.22pm every game so far and been wrong, si I will say 8.22pm....again.
BigJ
Roar Guru
When Cameron Smith kicks off, how bout that, curious is there a prize for a correct guess????
Oingo Boingo
Guest
8pm WA time on Fox.
Adam
Guest
8:25pm so we have close to 90 minutes of pre game rubbish to sit through.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
advertised starting time of 8pm? the schedule we get sent to the office has had 8:15 for all 3 matches.
Craig
Guest
About 1hr 20min after we're all sick of the Ch9 coverage
Raugeee
Guest
I will probably be *hic woozie before kickoff - 8:18pm
Scott Pryde
Expert
Given how late the U16 Origin game is supposed to end, then you have turnaround times to bring on pre-match entertainment and yadda yadda yadda till Nine are ready... 8:15 is way too early - let's try 8:23pm.
M.O.C.
Roar Guru
I'm going 8:11 - they have a full hour from 7:00 tonight to drag it out, so surely it can't be too late?
Daniel Jeffrey
Editor
I'll go late on this one - 8:21. No way they're not getting every possible view out of the decider.