NRL decision to hold State of Origin I in Townsville branded a ‘disgrace’

Rugby league great Braith Anasta has branded the decision to hold the opening State of Origin match in Townsville a “disgrace”.

Queensland has been gifted a huge Origin advantage by buying the right to host the opening match, after NSW rejected a request to spend about $8 million to host the game.

Government sources confirmed NSW refused to match the “silly money” the Sunshine State offered to secure match one on the basis it could not be justified to the taxpayer.

This allows Queensland to host the first two out of three matches after Victoria’s Covid outbreak left league officials scrambling to find an alternative venue.

The Origin opener was scheduled to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 9 but has now been relocated to Townsville – a significant series advantage for the Maroons.

Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, the venue for the first State of Origin match.

Various reports of the deal valued it between $6 million and $8 million, but NSW sources were adamant the figure was closer to $8.3 million.

Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said: “I’m all for major events but we have to be responsible with taxpayers’ money and what Queensland had paid the NRL is truly silly money”.

This will be the first time since Origin began in 1980 where two matches have been played in the same state to start a series.

The Telegraph has confirmed NSW had been concerned by a reduced return on investment when it became clear that the smaller Bankwest Stadium, which holds 30,000, was the preferred option for match one.

The smaller stadium meant the investment would lure fewer people to the state and reduce the economic value.

Townsville can expect to see Origin action like this on Wednesday week. Picture: AFP

However, the government remained keen to negotiate and asked the NRL for a final right of refusal.

Mr Ayres refused the request late yesterday.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said the code’s “absolute priority was ensuring the continuity of the competition and major events”.

“Townsville has the lowest risk of a Covid outbreak impacting the game and the least financial fallout of the available venues,” he said.

“Townsville is also a new, state-of-the-art venue, with the capabilities to host an event with a global audience like Origin, placing it ahead of alternate regional locations.”

Blues great Braith Anasta told Fox League the decision was “a disgrace”.

Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres says NSW could not afford to match Queensland’s offer. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

“It’s a huge disadvantage,” he said. “It should be (neutral territory).

“When you play against Queensland in Queensland it’s a huge advantage. They thrive off it, so why would you give them that advantage?”

The Townsville stadium capacity will swell to 27,327 with extra seats installed for the game. Match two will be held at Suncorp Stadium on June 27 before the series heads to NSW for the third game at Stadium Australia on July 14.