Queensland could land a rare State of Origin advantage with Townsville the next in line to host Game 1 if the opener is forced to move from the MCG.
The NRL are holding onto slim hopes a shift from Melbourne won’t be necessary, however, Queensland Country Bank Stadium has been locked in as a backup option for the June 9 clash.
Should Origin 1 be moved to Townsville, it would mean the Maroons will get back-to-back games in their home state with Game 2 scheduled to be played in Brisbane on June 27.
Sydney will then host Game 3 on July 14.
It would be the first time since 2017 a home state has hosted two games in a series.
It comes as Melbourne Storm shifted their next home game to Queensland with NRL boss Peter V’landys saying on Friday the opening Origin match is unlikely to go ahead at the MCG.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
The Storm announced Friday that their Round 13 match on June 5 against Gold Coast had been moved from AAMI Park to Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Melbourne have extended their training camp on the Sunshine Coast indefinitely, with Victoria in a seven-day lockdown due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said it was disappointing not to be playing in front of a home crowd at AAMI Park after the team spent the bulk of last season based in Queensland.
“This was not an easy decision to make given the impact COVID has already had on our members and fans in Victoria through 2020 and again in 2021,” Rodski said.
“Unfortunately, given the growing uncertainty in Victoria and advice provided to our club, we feel this is the best outcome.”
Earlier Friday V’landys conceded that the June 9 Origin match, just four days later, would probably have to be shifted from the MCG.
V’landys told Nine radio that talks were continuing with the Victorian government and a decision was expected by Saturday.
He cited concerns with a potential lack of crowd and atmosphere at the cavernous venue.
“You know, when a partner’s down, you don’t take advantage of it, you don’t kick them, so we’re going to have more dialogue with them today,” V’landys said.
“But it seems that we probably won’t be able to hold it at the MCG. But at the same time, we’ve got to respect our partner but we’ll make a decision either today or tomorrow.”
Joey
Guest
Why didn’t they just play all three games at a neutral grounds. Play all three in Qld ? Why stop at one, it’s pretty clear the NRL already doesn’t own a dictionary.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Happy for this to happen, but if Melbourne is cleared for game 2 then is should shift from Suncorp. Letting QLD host game 1 and 2 is a bit much.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Should be in neutral NZ .I know they have to move the 6 O'clock for one night .So what
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Because a shedload of talented rugby league cattle has come from the succesful nursery of Victoria in the last 20 years. The only reason to stage a game anywhere other that Sydney or Brisbane is a financial one. The coin is in a novelty event in a populous city, it doesn't even matter if the field is rectangular or oval shaped, as long as they can get bums on seats they'd play on Mars. PVL is pretty honest that the more dosh the better, as he displayed during his tenure as head of racing NSW, he loves sticking it to anywhere not NSW. Melbourne Cup in Sydney? Why not.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
If anybody kicks up a stink because of a last minute venue change due to covid they need to shut up. What’s to say that they don’t get an outbreak from HQ in Brisbane and have to move game 2 as a precaution?
Walter Black
Guest
Putting an Origin game in Melbourne / Perth / Adelaide etc does far more to further the growth of Rugby league in this country than putting it in Sydney/Brisbane ever will.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
The sooner the better that SOO goes back to the original format. Have no problem with this whatsover.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I've said a prayer to the rugby league gods that Townsville gets a game. I haven't been to an origin in an age and there's no way I'd miss this one.
Jamil Hopoate
Guest
All 5 of you hahaha God love you Walter
danwain
Roar Rookie
Because origin was made for and sustained by Queensland
Tony
Roar Guru
Why 2 games in QLD? Imagine the stink if the first 2 games were in Sydney.
Walter Black
Guest
Just as I was hoping to be able to go and see an Origin game. ....... and i miss the next Storm home game as well. Commiserations to all my fellow Rugby League loving Victorians. Hope V'landys gives us another crack soon.