Newcastle will host Game III of the Ampol State of Origin series for the first time in Origin history after the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) approved the relocation of the game from Stadium Australia.
Thanks to approval from the NSW Government, and support through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, the July 14 match will be played in front of up to 20,000 fans or 75 per cent of seated capacity.
Fans located in Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour will not be permitted to purchase tickets.
Newcastle represents a safe option for the game with no community transmission, allows fans to attend live and ensures NSW will host a home game during the series.
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the game would create history in Newcastle hosting the series for the first time in the Origin era.
“This is a reward for the people of Newcastle and Hunter region,’’ he said.
“These fans are among the most passionate fans in our game. They turn out and support the Knights every week and we are excited to bring Ampol State of Origin to Newcastle,’’ he said.
“One of the positives to come from the pandemic has been the opportunity to give passionate rugby league communities like Newcastle and Townsville the chance to host Origin when they otherwise wouldn’t.”
Mr Abdo thanked the NSW Government for their ongoing support of rugby league and said Newcastle represented a safe option that would ensure the continuity of the series.
“In particular, the Commission would like to acknowledge the support of Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres for their efforts in making this possible. We also thank all State Governments who have shown a very strong interest in our content.
“There’s currently no community transmission in Newcastle and it represents a safe option for both our players and the community. We will continue to follow all NSW Public Health orders for the game.
“I would like to thank both State Teams for their patience in allowing us to secure a safe venue with the capability of a passionate crowd.”
Tickets will go on sale starting from $49 and $140 for a family, on Monday 12 July, a waitlist will be available from this evening via NRL.Com/Waitlist.
Newcastle Knights and State Members will be given a dedicated buying window to be communicated in the coming days.
Tickets will be available via NRL.Com/Tickets.
Fans who purchased tickets to the scheduled game at Stadium Australia will automatically have their tickets refunded.
