New Zealand launches shock bid to host State of Origin match at Eden Park

Kiwi tourism powerbrokers have launched an audacious plan to take State of Origin away from Australian shores for the first time in almost 40 years.

After games in Adelaide and Perth, Auckland has emerged as a potential State of Origin host. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

New Zealand powerbrokers have ramped up plans to bring rugby league’s $100 million showpiece – State of Origin – to Auckland.

This masthead can reveal Auckland tourism chiefs have contacted the NRL to formally express interest in hosting State of Origin’s first overseas interstate blockbuster in 40 years.

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys last month outlined his interest in exploring offshore markets for State of Origin, which has debuted in new domestic destinations Perth and Adelaide in recent years.

Now Kiwi officials have upped the ante, reaching out to the NRL in the first step towards securing a historic Queensland-NSW Origin showdown on New Zealand soil as early as 2027.

An ‘Anzac Origin’ clash in 2027 would be timely _ it would mark the 40th anniversary of Queensland and NSW playing the first and only interstate clash in Los Angeles in 1987.

Peter Sterling and Wally Lewis after the Origin game in Los Angeles in 1987. Picture: Peter Kurnik

It is understood South Australia and Western Australia officials paid around $5-6 million to host State of Origin and that figure is not beyond the reach of the New Zealand government.

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo confirmed a State of Origin game in New Zealand is on the agenda as the ARL Commission looks to give one of Australian sport’s biggest events some international appeal.

“New Zealand is an important market for us. Why wouldn’t we want to consider an Origin game there?” Abdo said.

“We took an All Stars game there for the first time, and we are excited about the growth of the international game, so taking major events to a market like New Zealand is a genuine option.

“Rugby league is growing in popularity in New Zealand, as it is in a number of countries in our region, so it’s exciting.

“State of Origin in New Zealand would be such a great spectacle.

“We would have to work hard to get it over the line, but it is certainly possible.”

The NRL’s Origin schedule is open from 2027 onwards. NSW and Queensland will play neutral games in Melbourne in 2024 and 2026, while it is understood the NRL has a contracted location secured for 2025, most likely Perth or Adelaide.

The South Australian government paid a handsome fee to host Origin 1 this year. Picture: Emma Brasier

Auckland’s Eden Park is an ideal location for an Origin debut across the ditch. The venue has a capacity of 50,000 and has hosted numerous marquee sporting events, including the 2011 Rugby World Cup final, cricket Tests and the NRL Nines tournament from 2014-17.

Auckland tourism-and-events boss Nick Hill confirmed New Zealand’s interest in hosting State of Origin.

“It’s a fantastic event for Auckland,” said Hill, CEO of Auckland Unlimited. “Aucklanders are passionate about all rugby, and most follow teams in the NRL.

“This is a chance to sell our city to our mates across the Tassie.”

One conundrum for a Kiwi Origin match is working out the best kick-off time.

Origin traditionally kicks off around 8pm in Australia, but with New Zealand being two hours ahead, broadcast partner Channel 9 would have to be consulted on a suitable starting time.

It is understood any event at Eden Park must conclude by 11pm to satisfy noise requirements with local residents.

“It is tricky because of the time zone,” Abdo said.

“Eden Park has some restrictions around crowd noise, so there’s a few technical things we would need to work through, but it’s not impossible.

“It’s a call for the Commission to make.

“The State of Origin program is strategic. Yes, you look at commercial terms but it’s also about growing the game and allowing the fans around Australia to enjoy Origin.

“Why wouldn’t we consider New Zealand as well?

“We would need to overcome a few challenges, but nothing is off the table.”

A sign during the NRL Auckland Nines at Eden Park. Officials are confident Origin at the ground would be a sellout. Picture: Mark Evans

NRL super coach Wayne Bennett, who mentored the Maroons in their historic American clash with NSW in 1987, backed Origin going to New Zealand.

“It’s a no-brainer to take Origin to New Zealand,” he said.

“If you took Origin to Eden Park in Auckland, it would be a sellout.

“The Kiwis are rugby league crazy, they have been great supporters of the NRL for decades and the Warriors have been in the competition for a long time.

“Origin captures the imagination like no other game, so I encourage the NRL to consider going to New Zealand.”

Originally published as New Zealand launches shock bid to host State of Origin match at Eden Park