Origin switch

The NRL have confirmed the 2021 State of Origin series opener will move to Townsville after ongoing CPVID-19 outbreaks in Melbourne.

The MCG was set to host the opening match of the series on June 9, with that game now switching to Queensland County Bank Stadium.

The switch means Queensland will now have two home games in this year’s series, with the second match set to be played at Suncorp Stadium on June 27.

Maroons coach Paul Green said it was an exciting aspect to have two games in front of a home crowd.

“It is good to have the home crowd on your side, it creates atmosphere but it doesn’t put points on the board for you,” he said.

“If it is in Townsville, I think it will be enormous. I think everyone will embrace it from that point of view. But they don’t make the tackles for you or score the tries so it’s about making sure we prep well and get our performance right.”

It’s not all bad news for Melbourne rugby league fans however, with the city set to host Origin matches in the 2024 and 2026 series’.

Both New South Wales and Queensland have named their sides for the opening match of the series.

"yeah thanks guys, I was surprised, i just don't see him ball playing like a walker, Hopgood, DeBellin, etc. That surprised me. Mind you none are as good as Walker at it, from lock."

"I agree but from my understanding he has only trained at fullback for the past 2 years so not sure if the club are considering to explore his utlity value."

Replies

BEM May 31, 2021 at 4:16pm

Maroons coach Paul Green said it was an exciting aspect to have two games in front of a home crowd.

“It is good to have the home crowd on your side, it creates atmosphere but it doesn’t put points on the board for you,” he said.

Who does Green think he is kidding. Of course the home ground advantage puts points on the board.

Another leg up for the toads from the NRL.

Paul Green | Zero Tackle

QLD Maroons coach Paul Green contract information, NRL news and rumours.
Parrapete May 31, 2021 at 4:16pm

Seem unfair on us, but anyway............... They will get two games in QLD now.
My Bob May 31, 2021 at 4:31pm

Makes no difference, 2 home for them or one. They still win regardless, Freddy is a space cadet.
Shawn peters May 31, 2021 at 6:10pm

I'm sorry I don't like it
- MontoEel > Shawn peters May 31, 2021 at 6:24pm
  
  I don't like it either
  
  https://youtu.be/X8rxPrV-tn4
MontoEel May 31, 2021 at 6:24pm

Seems a bit unfair from a NSW perspective. Why couldn't they move it to Adelaide, Perth, Darwin or Canberra? All neutral areas.
Electric Eel May 31, 2021 at 6:50pm

Yep, I now live in QLD. No different to giving QLD another home game. That is exactly what the NRL has done. If we are not going to have a truly neautral game, then go back to the alternating 2 and 1 in each state.
Wizardssleeves official receipts May 31, 2021 at 7:11pm

so instead of the Goldy where you might get a few NSW fans , they move it to as far north as possible to ensure you get SFA . A smaller stadium at that .
MontoEel May 31, 2021 at 7:33pm

And who says the NRL isn't rigged?
This reply was deleted.
- Electric Eel May 31, 2021 at 8:11pm
  
  Yes it was, but there is no such thing anymore.