State of Origin 2020: Ray Warren and Sydney-based commentators banned for decider

Channel 9’s hopes of chartering a private jet to fly Sydney-based commentators to broadcast the State of Origin decider have been dashed.

Ray Warren may have called his last State of Origin game.

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer has smacked down Channel 9’s bid to fly NSW commentators into Brisbane, meaning legendary caller Ray “Rabs” Warren may have called his last State of Origin game.

The television network and NRL was hoping to charter a private jet to fly the likes of Sydney-based commentators Phil Gould, Andrew Johns and Karl Stefanovic into Queensland to broadcast the last game of the series at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.

Watch State of Origin Full & Mini REPLAYS on Kayo with no ad-breaks during play and Fox League Commentary. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly

Ray Warren may have called his last State of Origin game.

They wanted an exemption to bypass Queensland’s strict border closure and 14-day hotel quarantine program, hoping a private plane would help their case.

However that will not be happening after CHO Dr Jeannette Young said the only option for the commentators would be to quarantine in a hotel for 14 days.

“They’re welcome to come but they will have to quarantine for 14 days,” Dr Young said.

.

Channel Nine were hoping for an exemption to get Andrew Johns north of the border.

“If they are part of the (NRL) bubble they can. If they’re not part of that, they have to apply for an exemption to be allowed into the state and then they would have to hotel quarantine.

“I would (grant an exemption) to allow them to come into the state, and I frequently have, but they would have to quarantine in a hotel for 14 days.”

That won’t be the case given the game is only five days away, leaving Channel 9 scrambling for a Blues presence on the television broadcast.

That means Warren may have called his last State of Origin game unless Channel 9 opts to call the match from a Sydney studio.

.

ORIGIN LATEST

Wild about Harry: Maroons eye at least three changes

Blues bully escapes for illegal Munster hit

Haas sets scene for rematch with savage post-game sledge

Warren last week indicated the 2020 series could be his last as he ponders retirement after 55 years in the game.

Warren flew to Adelaide for Game One and called the second match live from ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Wednesday.

If 9 opts to call the game locally, rising Brisbane-based caller Peter Psaltis may be thrust into an Origin debut.

Psaltis became a regular caller for Suncorp Stadium games this year due to travel restrictions.