State of Origin going international as NZ game confirmed

State of Origin is going international once more, with game two of the 2027 men’s series to be played in Auckland.

The Australian Rugby League Commission made the announcement on Tuesday morning.

Former CEO Andrew Abdo first floated the idea in February, and NRL boss Peter V’landys has now locked it in.

The Queensland v New South Wales rivalry has never been played in New Zealand.

The NRL is planning to make it a days-long event, concluding with the game on Wednesday, June 16.

“State of Origin is truly unique. It creates an atmosphere unlike anything else in Australian sport,” V’landys said.

“Fierce rivalry, raw passion and an intensity that can only be understood by experiencing it firsthand. It’s a bucket list event.

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“It’s not just the Origin match fans can look forward to - we are planning a week of rugby league festivities in the lead up to the event starting with a Warriors game at Eden Park on the Sunday afternoon prior to the Origin fixture.

“It’s going to be a complete takeover of Auckland showcasing the best of our game to New Zealanders and fans travelling from all over the world.”

The game will be played at Eden Park, which can hold about 50,000 fans.

Both the Blues and Maroons will enter the 2027 Origin series with new head coaches, after Matt King replaced Laurie Daley a the helm of NSW, and Billy Slater stood down from his Queensland role on Friday.

The Blues beat the Maroons in a game-three decider this year in Brisbane.