The Victorian government expects the MCG to beat its State of Origin attendance record when the interstate fixture returns to Melbourne for next year’s series opener.
Queensland will begin their title defence against NSW on neutral territory, NRL boss Todd Greenberg has confirmed to News Corp Australia, at the 100,000-capacity MCG.
The June 6 fixture is part of an NRL deal with Victoria that also provided Melbourne with hosting rights for game two in 2015, when 91,513 spectators – a record – watched NSW beat Queensland at the MCG.
“We hope to see NSW and Queensland fans travelling to Melbourne as well as locals enjoying the best of rugby league in game one,” Greenberg told News Corp.
State tourism minister John Eren said Victoria would smash its attendance record.
Melbourne’s hosting in line with the NRL’s policy of playing one game outside Sydney and Brisbane every three years.
Western Australia will host for the first time when game two of the 2019 series is played at the new Perth Stadium.
The Maroons won their 11th Origin series in 12 years when they beat NSW 22-6 in Brisbane on Wednesday in the deciding third game.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
I thought the 2019 SOO one in the new Perth Stadium was a Qld sacrifice?
Big Daddy
Guest
Qld won't take home matches to Melbourne. NRL are making it extremely hard for NSW to win with only one home match next year.
Long Black
Roar Rookie
Not true. The 2015 game there was outstanding to be at (but for a Qld loss). There is not a bad seat in the house. They put on a massive event and the stadium is (equal with Suncorp as) the best in the country
Jara W
Guest
I've missed the news of the Perth move somehow. Have they rescheduled one of the other games or do NSW not get a home game that year? That would be pretty ordinary.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Theyre the ones that sell em mate, so yes.
Ray
Guest
So Game 1 in 2018 NSW lose a home ground match, then Game 2 in 2019 NSW again lose a home ground match. Have all away matches played been NSW home games?
Mad Max
Guest
That's deep mate.
Baz
Guest
not a great ground to watch ud be so far away i would guess but good on them. I hope game 2 is in NSW
Justin Kearney
Guest
Great ground to watch league. Count me in.
Anthony
Roar Pro
The other issue. the MCG is a round stadium. Just doesn't feel the same atmosphere wise. Square peg. Round hole.
Anthony
Roar Pro
Thanks Call me a traditionalist, I'm on the other side of the fence. As a northerner, I always feel a downer when I hear Origin or Bledisloe being played at the MCG. It is akin to playing the AFL grand final at the Gabba or in Sydney. Be good to see it kept to the North of the Barassi lin. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barassi_Line
The real SC
Roar Rookie
This will be an advantage for both sides to play in front of a record crowd at the MCG. The good news is that this will not clash with AFL and other sporting events. Will see unprecedented record ratings for Melbourne viewers. This is a major sporting event happening nationally. Well done Melbourne.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Yes have to agree ,the MCG is hallowed turf in this world renowned stadium, and indeed a privilege to play a top line rugby league match there.
Bert
Guest
Rugby League and State of Origin are lucky to be able to play the game on the hallowed turf. The greatest stadium in the world, in front of 95,000 people. Thank you MCG Trust for letting us back. We are blessed. This is a great day for Rugby League. God Bless Rugby League. God Bless the MCG. God's own stadium.