The ARL Commission has revealed plans to take rugby league’s $100 million showpiece, State of Origin, to New Zealand.
As the NRL prepares to launch the 2024 premiership in Las Vegas, ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys has unveiled the code’s next major offshore project – playing an historic Origin game in New Zealand.
NSW and Queensland stars could be crossing the ditch for an inaugural interstate game in Auckland as early as 2027 – which would mark the 40th anniversary of State of Origin’s first overseas venture to Los Angeles in 1987.
The ARL Commission has taken the gala event to new domestic markets in recent years, with Perth hosting State of Origin in 2019, while Adelaide celebrated their first Queensland-NSW fixture three years ago.
Now the ARLC wants to reward millions of Kiwi fans by exploring the prospect of State of Origin traversing the Tasman for a debut on New Zealand soil.
State of Origin’s current scheduling is in place for the next three years, but V’landys confirmed New Zealand is on the agenda in what would be a landmark occasion for the code’s elite NSW and Queensland stars.
“New Zealand is absolutely a consideration for State of Origin,” V’landys said.
“A historic State of Origin match in New Zealand is definitely something we will consider.
“At the moment, the Origin scheduling has already been locked in for the next three years, but we are ecstatic at the success of rugby league in New Zealand.
“The Warriors have been outstanding this season and naturally we want to keep that momentum going.
“It’s certainly an option and we will be looking at New Zealand as another location for State of Origin.”
The NRL’s Origin schedule is open from 2027 onwards. NSW and Queensland will play neutral games in Melbourne in 2024 and 2026, while it is understood the NRL has a contracted location secured for 2025, most likely Perth or Adelaide. New Zealand shapes as the perfect offshore destination for State of Origin’s further expansion.
The Auckland-based Warriors have been part of the Australian premiership since 1995 and the code had great success launching the NRL Nines tournament at Eden Park from 2014-17.
Former Canberra and Kiwi Test forward Dean Lonergan, the man who successfully pitched the Nines concept to NRL bosses, said the 50,000-capacity Eden Park is the ideal location for Origin’s debut in New Zealand.
“State of Origin in New Zealand would be massive,” Lonergan told this masthead from Auckland.
“Peter V’landys is a genius administrator. He has the gravitas and the business acumen to get a deal like Origin done in this country.
“The Kiwi public would go nuts for Origin. “Historically, Origin is one of the highest-rating shows in New Zealand.
“We have been exposed to Origin since its inception and I have no doubt it would be a monster event, so long as you bring Game One or Two here and not Game Three in case it’s a dead rubber.
“Kiwis love going to world-class events and State of Origin is as big as it gets.
“I have no doubt it would sell out Eden Park and you could do it at premium prices.
“Origin has only gone overseas once in 40 years, so to see an inaugural Origin game in New Zealand would be very special for the NRL.”
One potential headache is working out the best kick-off time.
Auckland is two hours ahead of Sydney and Brisbane during non-daylight saving time, meaning a 9pm kick-off at Eden Park would represent a 7pm start for NSW and Queensland viewers.
“The one key factor is finding the right kick off time,” Lonergan said.
“They might have to kick off at 9pm or later, but given the uniqueness of it, Kiwi fans wouldn’t have an issue with a late start.
“The second consideration is money. The New Zealand government I’m sure would be open to supporting an Origin game.
“Eden Park is the biggest stadium in the country and I have no doubt you would fill every seat.
“The first few years of the NRL Nines at Eden Park were a massive success – we had 90,000 people turn up over two days for the first tournament in 2014.
“Most Kiwis tend to follow the Maroons, but I do think you would find Australian league fans would embrace coming to Auckland like they did for the NRL Nines.”
Canberra boss Don Furner, one of the code’s longest-serving CEOs, backed State of Origin going to New Zealand.
“Can you imagine an Origin game in New Zealand? The fans over there would go nuts,” he said.
“We went over there a few years ago for the NRL Nines and the first two years were really cool.
“The fans got right behind it, it was a real carnival atmosphere and I have no doubt it would be the same for Origin in New Zealand.
“If the NRL is looking at taking Origin to an overseas market, I think it would be a good thing.”
