State of Origin Game 3 will be played on the Gold Coast.
The match had originally been moved to Newcastle from its first home at Stadium Australia following Sydney’s COVID-19 outbreak, but the NSW government’s call to ban major crowds across the state to protect the regions has seen the marquee match move to the Gold Coast.
“We are disappointed not to be able to give Newcastle the city’s first State of Origin, but we must operate within all State Public Health Orders and not having a crowd in Newcastle negates the opportunity for our fans from the region,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said in a statement.
“The Gold Coast has a very low infection rate and both Origin camps are currently located within driving distance of Cbus Stadium. It means neither team will be disadvantaged by travel.
“This is an exciting outcome for the Gold Coast. It will be the first time in history that the Gold Coast has hosted State of Origin.”
It will be the third game of the series to be played in Queensland, with Game 1 moved from the MCG to Townsville and Game 2 played at Suncorp Stadium. However, Abdo said the disadvantage to New South Wales was an issue that couldn’t be overcome.
“Our priority is ensuring the safety of the community and the continuity of the competition,” he said.
NSW currently hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Jockstar
Guest
What a perfect way to rub qlds arrogant noses in it.
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
I feel the same about Gallen but I just love how he gets under the skin of you canetoads :happy:
Phil
Roar Rookie
I just saw a local news item which said Amanda has been cleared to get to the game and sing the NA. Hope she does well.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Mango, your probably right . To me they're so focused on getting the SOO done and dusted. I was very surprised the 4 matches last weekend went ahead. I don't think they're telling us every thing about financial position. All this costs money and I mean lots of money .
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
I feel sorry for Newcastle, it would have been a good venue but on the upside, it's added some interest to the dead rubber. QLD now have home ground advantage and NSW have the opportunity to gain a priceless bragging right.
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
That is a sad story. You would like to think she could get to GC, but given how ruthless states have been regarding exemptions, that's highly unlikely. Maybe she could do it via video?
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
Actually, they're just complying with their broadcast obligations.
Joey
Guest
Sounds only fair that all three games get played in NSW next year.
Mitcher
Guest
That classic QLD origin passion on show. A couple of floggings and they want the thing called off.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Yeah cracking viewing stadium, but the parking caught me out on my first visit. Got told at the stadium to instead drive to the nearest train station, and get the train in. Missed most of the 1st half :shocked:
Boz
Guest
As a QLDer, I have to agree. NSW deserved to have 3 games at home next year. Hopefully by then anybody who wants to have the vaccine has done so and they can allow full stadiums for all games. Also, It would be nice to keep on having SOO played only within QLD and NSW. Maybe once every 5 yrs let a city bid for it and have it at a neutral venue. QLD and NSW deserve to have two games at home during a series more regularly.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
maybe their are satisfying the tv contract and the money it brings in
no one in particular
Roar Guru
there won't be a game in Sydney until at least the finals
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
The “two heads” comment was originally uttered by that master of literacy, Paul Gallen. Well, two heads & one brain are preferable to one head & no brain!
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
What a dog's breakfast. The series is done and dusted and were playing this match to satisfy the ego's of NSW and its supporters. I thought getting the NRL comp back on track would be the main focus . If they don't make a decision we may not have a competition.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Not going to cost the Queensland Government heaps of money to accomodate SOO 3 as it did Game No.1. Gladys ( why don’t my people listen to me?) has handed it to Queensland on a platter due to her state’s mismanagement of the COVID issue. There she was a while back poking fun at the other two eastern states & even publicly discouraging those from NSW from holidaying in Queensland. Now due to her incompetence, they can’t go anyway.
Tony
Roar Guru
Or Melbourne?
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Walters was from Murwillumbah. Played senior footy for Norths in Brisbane before he went South. Not sure either when he played for Seagulls.
Sam
Guest
History in the making with NSW giving QLD a flogging at all of their NRL team home grounds along the coast of QLD
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I agree with you on both those points. Robina is a great stadium. You sit really close to the action. Sensational view of the game. Getting there by train is easy although parking is a problem if you need to drive. Tweed Shire is a blues stronghold. I see heaps of blue jerseys worn in in Murbah ,Tweed and Ballina. Love wearing my Marooon down that way. As for two headed QLDers . Well two heads mean half the IQ so there !