AFL TV Wrap: State of Origin return nears, contract unlocking Chad Warner

The State of Origin is nearing a return, while a new contract extension is unlocking the best of a Swan. We watch all the football shows so you don’t have to.

State of Origin could return next year. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

The State of Origin is getting close to becoming a reality, while a new contract has unleashed one of the game’s biggest stars.

Check out what happened on TV’s footy shows last night.

AGENDA SETTERS

The AFL is closing in on confirming the return of State of Origin, according to Channel 7’s Caroline Wilson.

There has been a large push in recent years about the exhibition series making a long-awaited return.

But Wilson said on the Agenda Setters the AFL was close to confirming the return of the series next February, and said she was confident in the first teams to usher the exhibition back in.

Scott Pendlebury of Victoria in action during the 2020 State of Origin. Picture: Michael Willson

“I reckon it’s going to happen, and I reckon it’s going to happen in February next year, and I reckon it’s going to be Western Australia vs Victoria,” she said.

“The captains said they wanted it earlier this year, the AFL want to be convinced that the captains are going to support this.

“Because obviously Adelaide has Gather Round at the moment and that’s going to happen again at least next year and we think for many years to come.

“I think the view is that WA vs Victoria would be the perfect fit for next February.

“The All Stars played this year, maybe the All Stars the year after (in 2026).”

Chad Warner winner of the Brett Kirk medal last weekend. Picture: Phil Hillyard

AFL 360

Nick Blakey says his freshly re-signed teammate Chad Warner is relishing having the contract monkey off his back, and is back to playing his best footy.

Warner signed a two-year extension last month after plenty of speculation about where he would be in 2026.

And his numbers have got better since signing on the dotted line, averaging more disposals, tackles, goal assists, inside 50s, clearances, and ranking points.

He is also averaging a goal per game in the two matches since signing his deal, and won the Brett Kirk Medal for best on ground in the Sydney Derby.

“We’re incredibly happy that Chaddy stayed, there’s no doubt about that,” Blakey said on AFL 360.

“Internally we were pretty confident he would stay, obviously let it all play out and now it’s done pretty early in the year.

“He can just focus on his footy now and I think everyone knows how important he is to our team, there’s not many mids in the comp who can do what he does.”

Originally published as AFL TV Wrap: State of Origin return nears, contract unlocking Chad Warner