Auckland’s Eden Park will host a State of Origin game next year, according to reports in Australia.
Code Sports is reporting the second game of the 2027 series will be held at Eden Park in a deal worth $5 million between the Government and the Australian Rugby League Commission, expectedto be part of the $70m Events Attraction Package.
The game is reported to have a kickoff of 9.30pm local time to suit NSW and Queensland viewers. Code Sports reports the deal was signed off last month.
ARLC boss Peter V’landys last year said New Zealand was a possible future venue.
“Next year we’re going to the MCG and then 2027 is available, so Origin in New Zealand is on our hit list,” he said.
The State of Origin, which pits rival league states Queensland and New South Wales against each other in a three-match series, has seen neutral venues used in recent years including Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne but hasn’t ventured overseas since 1987 when an exhibition game was played in Los Angeles.
Last month the Government announced the New Zealand Pro, a World Surf League event to be hosted in Raglan in May, was supported through the Events Attraction Package, which “aims to bring high-value international events to New Zealand, attracting international visitors, stimulating the economy and growing New Zealand’s global profile for major events” the release said.
Th New Zealand Pro was the fourth event announced from the package, which includes a Linkin Park concert at Auckland’s Spark Arena, the Ultra Music Festival in Wellington and the Fifa World Series also in Auckland.
