Breaking: Rugby league State of Origin headed to New Zealand for first time

Australian rugby league's most prestigious event, the State of Origin, will make its debut in New Zealand next year when it moves from Australia to Auckland. The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) announced on Tuesday that the second game of the 2027 series will take place at Eden Park in Auckland, marking only the second time the tournament has been played outside Australia. California hosted a match in 1987, which the Blues won 30-18.

The ARLC chairman, Peter Vandys, expressed excitement about the unique atmosphere the event creates and the passion that draws fans from around the world. Vandys emphasized that the State of Origin is a bucket-list event for rugby league enthusiasts. The championship game, set for June 16, 2027, will be part of a larger rugby league festival in Auckland, starting with a Warriors game at Eden Park on the Sunday prior to the Origin fixture.

The event will be a comprehensive takeover of Auckland, showcasing the best of the game to both locals and international visitors.

While the State of Origin series, which pits Queensland against New South Wales, has been a source of intense rivalry since its inception in 1980, eligibility rules were altered this year to permit some players to represent either Queensland or New South Wales and later be selected for New Zealand or England in Test matches. Notably, Kalyn Ponga, Addin Fonua-Blake, and Briton Nikora participated in this year's Origin series and will be eligible for consideration in New Zealand's World Cup squad.