In a huge coup for the city, Newcastle will host its first rugby league State of Origin game, with the third and final match of the 2021 series to take place at McDonald Jones Stadium on Wednesday 14 July.
The decision means Newcastle will be the centre of the rugby league universe for an estimated 2.5 million Australians who are expected to tune in for the final game of the 2021 Origin season.
One of the rugby league’s showpiece calendar events, game three of the Origin series will reinforce Newcastle as an emerging major-event city.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle was a clear choice for the NRL to host a State of Origin outside of Sydney on the back of successful events like this year’s World Surf League Newcastle Cup and the recent SAANZAR International Rugby Championship, both held as COVID Safe major events.
“Newcastle has shown time and time again that it’s an outstanding host city for major events thanks to the support of this Council, the professionalism of local providers and the passion of Novocastrians for sport, music and the arts,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle has a strategic focus on attracting and retaining major events as they stimulate the local economy, attract visitors, provide recreational opportunities for locals and enhance our position as a truly global city.
“Rugby league is part of Newcastle’s history and social fabric, which is why a State of Origin played right here at McDonald Jones Stadium is a big win for locals.
“While the series has been wrapped up by the Blues, we know Queensland will be determined to avoid a clean sweep when they play here in Newcastle next Wednesday.
“I would like to thank the Deputy Premier John Barilaro for his advocacy to bring this historic match to Newcastle. Up the Blues!”
The State of Origin match will be held with all relevant COVID Safe protocols in place and with NSW Police monitoring and enforcing Public Health Order restrictions.
The ground capacity will be 75 per cent seated capacity on the night, meaning up to 20,000 people can watch the teams battle it out.
The New South Wales Blues are looking to be the first team to notch a 3-0 series clean sweep since Queensland Maroons achieved the feat in 2010.
The Blues will also be hoping to be the first NSW team to win a series 3-0 since their coach Brad Fittler achieved the feat as a player more than two decades ago in 2000.
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