NSW Blues trainer Brad Fittler has supported State of Origin to make the journey over the Tasman and make the game one of New Zealand’s historic rivalries as the COVID-19 restrictions continue to disrupt Australian borders.
The legendary three-game series this year will be played at the end of the season in three consecutive weeks between November 4th and 18th.
So far, however, little has been set in stone where the trilogy is played.
News surfaced Tuesday that the NRL is considering a reported move abroad for Game One of the series for the first time in 33 years, with Eden Park in Auckland emerging as the most likely competitor.
While Game One has reportedly been shown in Adelaide, the South Australian Tourism Commission will only agree to host the game when it is played in front of a large crowd.
While the negotiations were still going on, the blues coach said he was committed to taking the series abroad to provide a “tempting” opportunity for the rugby league.
“A lot depends on the amount, and State of Origin has always been about the fans and the atmosphere, which has brought it to a different level than other parts of our game,” Fittler told Wide World of Sports radio.
“Well, if we can have a full amount over there, I can be just as tempting.
“There is Adelaide – I’m not sure what’s going on politically with Adelaide and the border controls and things like that, and there is still time.
“But New Zealand, which has been involved in Origin at all levels and has this third game as an away game somewhere, is promoting our game. The players keep delivering, so I think it’s a great thing.”
If Game One is brought abroad, Auckland is the most likely venue for the game. However, Perth has also made preliminary contact about a possible game at home on the West Coast.
“New Zealand makes sense. We will definitely look at it,” an NRL official told the Telegraph on Tuesday.
