'It's really important': John Strange backs push for women's Origin to be played in Las Vegas
NSW coach John Strange has thrown his support behind playing a women's State of Origin game in Las Vegas in the future.
Earlier this year, the Jillaroos absolutely thrashed England 94-0 at Allegiant Stadium, leading to a decision from officials to scrap a women's fixture for next year's event.
Peter V'landys went on record immediately after this year's Vegas trip and admitted that four matches was too many for fans, with the one-sided women's clash facing the axe.
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That was confirmed on Wednesday morning, with two NRL games and one Super League clash on the docket for the 2026 edition.
When asked about the possibility of the women taking centre stage in Sin City again, the Blues coach said it would need to be a "more competitive" game if it was revisited.
John Strange weighs in on the Jillaroos being axed from Las Vegas. Getty
"I think it's really important that they're [women's match] in there every year," Strange told The Sydney Morning Herald.
"It's a great spectacle, not just for Australia but for the world. But obviously a bit of thought needs to go into making sure it's a good product.
"I think it's clear now that everyone knows that the domestic comp in NRLW is a lot stronger than the domestic comp in England, the Super League.
"Whether it's an Origin game or the two grand finalists from the previous year, I'd be happy either way. If I'm Origin coach I'd get to go to Vegas.
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"I think if they took it away for a year … but then rethought about it and actually put it back in the next year in a better format, then sometimes you've got to take a step backwards to go forwards.
"If they do that – but as long as they rethink it and put a good product out there the following year – I think it will kick on."
Next year, old rivals St George Illawarra and Canterbury will go head-to-head, while the Cowboys and Knights will also square off.
English clubs Hull KR and Leeds will play in the first match of the day in Vegas.
Strange meanwhile is preparing to lead NSW towards an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Origin series after winning the opening game 32-12 at Suncorp Stadium.
