Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy backs sharing State of Origin with other states
Adelaide will host the second game of next year’s State of Origin rugby league series and Storm coach Craig Bellamy, who coached his side to victory at Adelaide Oval on Friday, likes the idea.
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Melbourne Storm mastermind Craig Bellamy has fully backed the decision to bring a State of Origin showcase rugby league game to Adelaide next year.
The dual premiership coach admitted he was a fan of taking the high profile battles between New South Wales and Queensland to other states, while also giving Adelaide Oval the thumbs up as a venue.
The dates for next season’s State of Origin series has yet to be confirmed, but it is likely the second of the three games will be held at Adelaide Oval on June 21.
Speaking after the Storm conquered the Sydney Roosters 14-12 in another enthralling confrontation between the powerhouse outfits at Adelaide Oval on Friday night, Bellamy said he liked the idea of sharing the Origins around.
“They play one in Brisbane and one in Sydney, this year there was one in Perth and next year one in Adelaide,” Bellamy said. “It is a good thing and hopefully more and more people get interested in our game.
“I like the venue, the surface has always been good. This is the third year we have been here and the surface has improved a little each year for rugby league, obviously coming off AFL.
“Our players enjoy playing here and I was talking to a couple of Roosters coaches the other night and they said their guys enjoy playing here.
“The (State of Origin) players will be excited too. They tell me it is a very noisy place when they pack it out.”
The previous two Adelaide Oval battles between the Storm and Roosters had been decided by one point and the two sides locked horns in another titanic struggle.
Storm captain Cameron Smith kicked a penalty for the only points of the second half as both teams defended desperately.
The victory has lifted the Storm six points clear of second-placed Roosters on the ladder.
“As with the other two games here, they have been tight and tough, physical games,” Bellamy said. “The Adelaide public like these two teams coming over here.”
Roosters coach Trent Robinson lamented his side’s failure to “ice” three prime scoring opportunities in the second half, but noted there were plenty of positives to emerge from the contest.
“I’ve been unhappy with wins and been vocal with the team privately,” he said. “I saw a lot of good stuff out there.
“The Storm deserve their position at the front of the ladder, but there is a long way to go.”
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