State of Origin: Why game three should come to Coffs Harbour

With the NRL considering moving game three out of Sydney, it’s time for the Mid North Coast to flaunt its rugby league credentials.

With Sydney locked down, game three of the State of Origin needs a saviour.

The NRL should look to Coffs Harbour to step into the void and give the people what they want – an epic night at C.ex Stadium. Here are the reasons why.

Aaron Woods runs out ahead of the clash between the Cronulla Sharks and the Gold Coast Titans at C.ex Stadium in May. Photo: Tim Jarrett

We have proven ourselves

Sure, it was only a month ago that Coffs Harbour was hosting its first ever NRL game, but damn, didn’t we nail it?

One of the great things about regional areas is that sometimes opportunity knocks in ways it mightn’t in Sydney. In the city, with thousands of people all blackmailing or bribing the same manager to get ahead, it can feel like you are going nowhere.

Whereas out here, if you rock up you’ve got the gig – and a promotion. So I say, one NRL game is more than enough experience.

Coffs Coast league fans enjoy the Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans match at C.ex Stadium while being socially distant from others. Photo: Tim Jarrett

We can do social distancing better

For anyone that witnessed Coffs Harbour’s triumphant first NRL match, they will know there is acres of space at C.ex Stadium.

Traditionally, hosting a sport with a rectangular pitch on an oval field is a real bummer but thanks to Covid everything is upside down and having all that wasted space is now a positive.

Four-square metre rule? C’mon, we could do six and still have plenty of people on the hill.

We are the NSW equivalent of Townsville

If NRL took game one to Townsville it’s only fair that in similar circumstances they take game three to a regional NSW town far away from the capital.

I am no scientist but surely you would want to get as far away from an outbreak as possible. Our biggest rival for game three, Newcastle, is practically Sydney. I mean, it even has light rail.

If an NRL player can get drunk, pass out on a train, and end up in Sydney – clearly that’s too close.

Imagine this, but at C.ex Stadium. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The NRL will be better off for it

The NRL is in a battle for hearts and minds and what better way to spread the good word of rugby league than by taking it somewhere unusual.

Giving the State of Origin to Newcastle is the sporting equivalent of Catholic missionaries travelling to the Vatican to find new converts.

Not only would giving the game to Coffs inspire the next generation of Mid North Coast players, it will give the Armidales, the Bourkes and the Mogos of this country hope they might one day host an origin – if a global pandemic forces an entire city to lockdown.

Elton John performing at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

Because, Elton John

No discussion about C.ex Stadium can go by without mention of the great man himself, in fact, did you know Elton John played in Coffs?

Yep. He did.

If C.ex Stadium is good enough for one of the worlds greatest pop stars, it’s good enough for the NRL.