Three-game Origin series was always our vision: Abdo

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said passionate pleas from players and fans to expand the women's State of Origin series had been the catalyst for a historic three-game series in 2024.

After the competition was extended to a two-game series in 2023, calls for a third game grew louder throughout the year and Mr Abdo said the NRL worked hard to move plans for a three-game fixture forward to as soon as next year.

The NRL also announced on Monday that the series opener will be played on Thursday May 16th, the eve of the NRL Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium.

“We always had the vision of expanding to a three-match State of Origin series but we obviously got great feedback from the players, fans and everyone that it was time to expand and expand quickly,” Mr Abdo said on Monday.

“We’ve moved to three games earlier than planned and to be able to play the first-ever three match Women’s State of Origin Series and have that kick off the entire series is really exciting.”

Mr Abdo said expanding the series to match the format of the men’s State of Origin was a delicate process, having to consider the semi-professional status of athletes and the NRLW competition kicking off in July.

“The progression is complex because we have to consider that many of the athletes are not full-time professionals, they work and they study,” he said.

“There’s also the state competitions and pathways competitions which are the pre-season for the NRLW competition.

“So we have to consider the entire year and the season in a very delicate and balanced way.

“But pleasingly, having worked with all the stakeholders including the RLPA and the players themselves, we’ve come up with a series which doesn't impact the preparation for the NRLW premiership and also pays respect to the pathways competition run by both state leagues as well.”

With last year’s series opener scheduled a month after the NSW and Queensland state competitions, there was also concerns raised around a lack of football for the player’s leading into the competition.

Mr Abdo said various players and competition stakeholders were involved in the scheduling of the competition this year.

“We’re working with both state leagues, with the timing and the duration of those competitions and the state leagues have been involved with the process of this expansion to three matches,” he said.

"Importantly, we have an opportunity to get the appropriate amount of preparation and camps in for the State of Origin series and then have the series conclude and allow the players to have the right amount of pre-season with their club.

"It's a delicate balance but one that I think we’ve been able to manage.”