New South Wales coach Brad Fittler backs State of Origin for 33-year first
Brad Fittler has backed the idea to move a game of this year’s State of Origin series to accommodate the coronavirus travel restrictions.
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New South Wales head coach Brad Fittler has backed New Zealand to host one game of State of Origin this year as restrictions on state borders continue to disrupt fixtures in Australia.
The three-game Origin series will this year be played at the end of the season over three consecutive Wednesdays between November 4 and 18.
The Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday that the NRL was considering moving a game of the series overseas for the first time in 33 years, while Perth had also made preliminary contact over holding another of the games.
Fittler has backed the move to New Zealand, stating the importance of having fans in attendance, and hoped Adelaide would be fit to host another.
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“A lot of it comes down to crowds and State of Origin has always been about the fans and the atmosphere which has taken it to a different level to other parts of our game,” he told WWOS radio. “So, if we can get a full crowd over there, I can it is as very enticing.
“There’s Adelaide – I’m not sure what’s going on with Adelaide and the border controls and that sort of stuff from a political point of view and there’s still time.
“But New Zealand, having been involved in Origin at all different levels, having that third game as an away game somewhere promotes our game. The players never fail in delivering, so I think it’s a great thing.”
Originally published as New South Wales coach Brad Fittler backs State of Origin for 33-year first