The NRL has released new information about the 2020 State of Origin fixtures, including confirmation that Adelaide Oval will host the first match of the series on Wednesday, June 3.
As per this year’s fixture, Origin 2 will again be played as a standalone fixture on a Sunday, this time in Sydney, after being played at Perth’s Optus Stadium in 2019.
The final match of series will be fixtured at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, again on a Wednesday, July 8.
“State of Origin has been an enormous success in Melbourne and Perth in recent years, and we have no doubt that the opening game of the series next year at Adelaide Oval will be an incredible spectacle,” said ARLC chairman Peter Beattie.
“Origin is a wonderful showpiece for the game and this will allow us to share it with an important new market, bringing new fans closer to the game.
“The support of the South Australian Government, as well as the South Australian Tourism Commission, has been fantastic through the process and we all look forward to returning in June next year for what will be an incredible series-opener.
“This year’s series provided us some wonderful entertainment and no doubt next year’s will bring more brilliant feats and incredible storylines.”
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall was excited to confirm that Origin would be coming to the State for the first time in 2020.
“Hosting a State of Origin match in 2020 is a major coup for Adelaide and South Australia. This is the first time this premier sporting event will be played here.”
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
It's called promotion.If you believe in the top end of your sport and you want it to grow you promote it.Not only by the medium of TV, but offering the opportunity to watch it live. No doubt down the line ,once NRL clubs are established in Perth and a second one in Brisbane, the one missing piece in the jigsaw is Adelaide. We bag the administration at times for lack of foresight, give it a go it may surprise.It's not as if rugby league has not been played in that city prior.
Big Daddy
Guest
Agree entirely. By playing SOO at these venues the NRL are promoting the idea that the big crowds are indicative of the interest in these state. That's what club matches are for. That would be a true indication.
Fix the scrums
Guest
Taking the game away from its strongest supporters is not a good move, I want to see my team play on a home ground. Playing a one off exhibition origin game in another state isn't going to suddenly turn the state into NRL fans. Do the hard yards and give WA and SA their own teams if the NRL is serious about calling it a national competition . Origin is a NSW vs QLD game and it should remain in these states. Stop selling out the game to the highest bidder for a short term gain.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Agree. All I hear is what an important promotional tool Origin is - So why wouldn't you have it out there in new market places?
Peter Piper
Guest
If you were a Rugby League tragic who happens to find himself living in Adelaide for some reason then this really would be a godsend. Don't be so selfish and think you own the game, you don't.
Peter Piper
Guest
I think the idea of moving one Origin game around the country in order to promote the game is a good one.
johnno 2
Roar Rookie
At worst , a game in Melbourne
The real SC
Roar Rookie
An Origin Game being played on a Wednesday Night in Adelaide. Hmm. For the Origin game in Adelaide, I think they will install drop in temporary seats to accommodate for the game in order to gain capacity. Adelaide Oval is about 53, 589 seats and is looking to boost the capacity to 61000 at the stadium. Last year, Origin Game 1 was played at MCG and they didn't have the drop in seats, given that it is an AFL and Cricket ground and they should have done it. The Origin Game 1 crowd of 87600 at MCG was lower than Game 2 2015 (91, 315). This year, Origin Game 2 was played on a Sunday at Optus Stadium, Perth and they didn't have the drop in seats, given that it is an AFL and Cricket Ground. The Origin Game 2 was a sold out game (although I didn't go) and there were 59 721 people watching the game. 175k Perth viewers watched it on Nine, which was a strong success. Had they got the drop in seats for Optus Stadium game, that would have exceeded the 60k capacity and had a crowd of 66k. I just don't get it why Optus Stadium didn't have the drop in seats given that they play at a rectangular mode.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Mmm...Peter Beattie.......would you trust that face ?
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Very bad news to hear this trend of playing a State of Origin is to continue. It is a Qld v NSW contest, passionately supported in both States. Why force the faithful into a winter trip to Adelaide, where the game will be welcomed by the business community, but will probably be pretty well ignored by the majority of S. Australians. Go back to the old system of one away and two home games, rotating annually.
Big Daddy
Guest
As a Qld or NSW supporter not happy to see SOO go out of Sydney and Brisbane. Nearly made me throw up seeing Beattie and Premier of South Australia flaunting shield. Selling the game out to the highest bidder.
Insider
Roar Rookie
Disappointing, tribalism is slowly disappearing
Peter
Guest
Which state is giving up, sorry selling off, a game, and how much has South Australia paid? They’ll be charging top dollar for seats far fa4 from the game.
Dayer
Roar Rookie
:happy:
Omnitrader
Roar Rookie
It’s not very good when you can’t see the players.