Imagine the roar of a packed stadium in Auckland, not for the All Blacks, but for the State of Origin. This groundbreaking move is set to shake up the rugby league world, and Kiwi legend Gary Freeman couldn't be more thrilled. The NRL's decision to host a State of Origin match in New Zealand in 2027 has been hailed as a game-changer, and here's why it's such a big deal.
After months of negotiations with the New Zealand government, Auckland's iconic Eden Park has secured the rights to host one of the 2027 series games. This marks the first time an Origin match will be held in New Zealand and the first overseas fixture since the 1987 exhibition game in Long Beach, California. While New Zealand hosted a Super League Tri-Series match in 1997, featuring the Kiwis, Queensland, and NSW, it wasn't considered an official Origin game. But here's where it gets controversial: could this move dilute the traditional rivalry between NSW and Queensland, or will it expand the sport's reach and appeal?
Gary Freeman, a rugby league icon with 46 Tests under his belt, believes this is a 'sensational' opportunity for the sport. He told AAP, 'New Zealand needs State of Origin, and I'm fully behind it. It will grow the game beyond what we saw in our playing days.' Freeman is confident the match will be a sell-out, even expressing regret that Eden Park only holds 50,000 fans, as he believes demand could easily fill a 70,000-seat stadium. 'I wouldn't be surprised if Aussies struggle to get tickets,' he quipped.
Since 2018, the NRL has been taking Origin matches to neutral grounds, with Melbourne and Perth hosting games through 2028. However, the 2027 slot was left open, and Freeman believes it's high time New Zealand got its turn. The sport has seen a resurgence in New Zealand, particularly since the Warriors returned from their pandemic-induced relocation to Australia. Last season, the Warriors averaged 25,382 fans per home game, selling out nine of their 11 matches in Auckland.
'If you look at what the Warriors achieved during COVID, this should have happened sooner,' said Freeman, the first Kiwi to win the Dally M Medal. 'The atmosphere at their games is electric, almost like a State of Origin match already. I can't wait to see Kiwis filling the stadium.'
This move comes amid growing calls for New Zealand to host the NRL's potential 20th team. In 2024, the NRL received three bids from New Zealand's South Island, though none were successful. NRL stars like Jamayne Isaako and Jordan Riki have publicly supported the idea of a second NZ team, and Freeman believes hosting Origin will only strengthen the case.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact on grassroots rugby league. Freeman argues that bringing Origin to New Zealand will inspire more kids to take up the sport. 'Kids will get to see it live instead of staying up until midnight to watch it on TV,' he said. 'The Warriors and Kiwis have already given the sport a boost, and Origin will take it to the next level.'
With Melbourne's MCG hosting the 2026 series and Perth Stadium in 2028, the NRL is clearly committed to expanding its reach. But will this bold move pay off, or is it a step too far? What do you think? Is hosting State of Origin in New Zealand a brilliant strategy or a risky gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
