Seal to headline Origin II entertainment

British superstar Seal will experience the unrivalled emotion of the Harvey Norman State of Origin Series as he plays to a crowd of 84,000 Rugby League fans at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium tomorrow night.

The international headline entertainer who has been one of the driving forces behind the runaway success of “The Voice” will perform “Crazy” on a night where just being part of the crowd is entertainment in itself.

Game 2 of the 2012 Harvey Norman State of Origin Series will also feature a tribute to 150 years of the “boys in blue” with a Police helicopter arriving in ANZ Stadium to deliver the game ball in recognition of NSW Policing.

Police German Shepherd, Chuck, who was this year part of the Tactical Response Unit that arrested one of the state’s most wanted criminals, Malcolm Naden, will have the role of delivering the ball.

The tribute to policing in NSW will include a QLD Police v NSW Police preliminary game (kick-off 4.15pm) and a police guard of honour for the Harvey Norman State of Origin teams. NSW Police Riot Squad, Police bike squad and Police dogs will join players from the police game in forming the “guard”.

The “Blue” theme will also extend to the stadium and precinct area with ANZ Stadium and Sydney Olympic Park train station both turning blue for Origin night.

ARL Commission General Manager of Marketing and Commercial, Mr Paul Kind promised an unforgettable atmosphere at ANZ Stadium

“At the Blue Tie Ball last week Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns described the 2011 Sydney Origin atmosphere as one of the most memorable nights of their years in the game,” Mr Kind said.

“This is a night where the crowd is a major part of the entertainment and an experienced headline entertainer such as Seal is a huge asset in setting the final scene before kick-off.

“Already the Harvey Norman State of Origin series is looking at sell-out crowds in all three games and that is a spectacular vote of confidence in Rugby League.”

Seal is scheduled to perform at 7.42pm, with the much-anticipated clash between the NSW VB Blues and QLD XXXX Maroons kicking off at 8.10pm after the curtain-raiser between the NSW and QLD under 18 teams at 5.52pm; and the NSW and QLD Police teams at 4.15pm.

The national anthem will be performed by Lucy Durack, the lead in the Broadway musical “Legally Blonde”, which will open at Sydney's Lyric Theatre, The Star, on October 4.

Key Event Times

Limited Tickets still available
Tickets are still available to Wednesday's Harvey Norman State of Origin clash at ANZ Stadium. Don't miss out, secure your seats today at www.ticketek.com.au/origin

NSW VB Blues Bus Trip
About 5.50pm the NSW VB Blues team bus will leave the Pullman Hotel at Sydney Olympic Park and head down Olympic Boulevard past ANZ Stadium and Allphones Arena on its way to the stadium.
Up to 20,000 Blues supporters are expected to line Olympic Boulevard, offering last minute support to the team as they drive past.

VB Blues Home Ground at Allphones Arena
VB is inviting all VB Blues fans (18 and over only) heading out to the second State of Origin game to come along to a FREE pre-game event in the VB Blues Home Ground at Allphones Arena.
Kicking off from 4.30pm on game night, the event is the official meeting point for all Blues fans ahead of the match, where they can join the Blatchy’s Blues and enjoy pre-game entertainment, created exclusively for VB Blues fans.
NB: This event is strictly limited to 5,000 people

Plan Your Trip – Arrive Early
With a crowd of 84,000 and peak hour traffic, please ensure you plan your trip, arrive early and take advantage of the public transport options included in your event ticket. Catch a major event bus or train. Click below for more info www.131500.com.au

Get State of Origin news, live scores, stats, match radio and video highlights for all three blockbuster games on your mobile. Download the FREE updated 2012 Official NRL app now.