Mayor Denise Knight backs Origin match for Coffs as Newcastle remains in box seat

With Sydney locked down, suddenly the prospect of Rugby League’s showpiece event heading regional got very real. Could Coffs Harbour be in with a shout?

With Sydney in lockdown and the NRL scrambling to line up another venue for its flagship game, the Mayor has backed calls to bring the State of Origin north.

Newcastle remains in the box seat to take game three from Stadium Australia, however, Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise Knight says she has been making calls to sound out whether C.ex Stadium could be a possible venue. 

While the chances appear slim, Ms Knight said her ears “absolutely” pricked up when it was revealed the NRL might consider taking the game to a regional area.

“We are always interested in anything that will bring regional Australia, particularly Coffs.

“I don’t think it is a crazy idea, why not shoot for the moon. If there is even a slim chance that we could get the Origin here in Coffs Harbour, why not try?

Calvin Wigg and Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise Knight with a signed match ball following the NRL Indigenous Round match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Gold Coast Titans at C.ex Stadium. It was the first NRL match to be played in Coffs Harbour. Photo: Tim Jarrett.

Sydney looking unlikely

On Thursday, The Daily Telegraph revealed there were still several options on the table for game three, including taking the game interstate.

However, when the Rugby League Players Association urged the NRL to take game three to a regional town, Coffs Harbour was not one of those mentioned.

Mudgee, Tamworth and Dubbo have all been touted as possibilities and Mudgee Mayor Des Kennedy has written to ARL Commission chairman Peter V‘landys urging him to take the game to Glen Willow Stadium.

When asked whether it had approached the NRL with an offer to host game three, a council spokesperson said the NRL were “well aware” of its facility and capability alongside other regional venues.

“Coffs’ recent success means we are on the radar and well regarded by both the NRL and the Sharks who feel we are a home away from home,” the spokesperson said.

The Blues celebrate winning game two of the 2021 State of Origin series in Brisbane. The venue for game three is in the air as Sydney remains in lockdown. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Community offers mixed response

Following a Coffs Coast Advocate story calling for the NRL to bring the game north, community sentiment was not as clear cut as some might expect judging by the response on social media.

While there were many people excited by the prospect of hosting an origin match in Coffs Harbour, there were plenty who expressed concern over potential coronavirus risks it might bring.

“No bloody way! We’ll become a Covid hotspot. NSW have won the series anyway so just call off game 3,” said Donna Swift.

Chris Castle also made the suggestion that it be taken to the Clarence Valley.

“Nothing wrong with Maclean Showground. Good as any and plenty of fishing boats close by if the ball is kicked into the South Arm or if there's a big kick into the adjoining Clarence river.”