The Ampol State of Origin Series will return to Perth Stadium in 2022, for the second-ever interstate contest held in Western Australia.
The NRL, in conjunction with the Western Australian Government, announced today Perth Stadium would host game two of the 2022 series.
The move is in line with the NRL’s policy of one neutral venue and one home venue for each of the States in the three-match series. The showpiece event will be played in Melbourne this year, followed by Perth in 2022, and Adelaide in 2023.
A sell-out crowd of 59,721 filled Perth Stadium in 2019 as the Blues defeated the Maroons in Game Two of the series, in one of the first ever major events at the then new stadium.
Australian Rugby League Commissioner The Hon. Peter Beattie AC, who attended the announcement in Perth, said the success of Perth’s debut as an Origin venue in 2019 ensured the Series would return next year.
“State of Origin is the biggest brand in Australian sport and it now has a truly national footprint,’’ Mr Beattie said.
“When we first took Origin to Perth in 2019 the event was so popular it broke the ground record at the time. We’re looking forward to building on that success next year.”
“Perth deserves to host Origin again and we are privileged to bring the contest back.”
Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said: “On much of the east coast, the State of Origin is as big as it gets in terms of sporting events.
“My Government is delighted to partner with the NRL to bring State of Origin back to WA - for local fans and the multimillion dollar boost it will provide to the WA economy, tourism, hospitality and local jobs.”
Queensland Maroons Coach Paul Green said: “Perth Stadium is a world-class venue and that factor alone makes next year’s game an appealing prospect for the players and the many fans in Western Australia who love their rugby league.
“Our players who were part of the historic first game in 2019 still speak about the enormous amount of support they received, both before and during the game, and we look forward to seeing another sea of maroon in the stands.”
Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler said: “It is great news to hear that Origin will be heading back to Perth in 2022.
“I have wonderful memories of our first Origin experience there for Game Two in 2019.
“It is a great stadium and Perth is a fantastic city to visit so we would love to see as many of our current and new fans make the trip west to Perth Stadium and fill it with blue wigs.
“Origin is such a special event and playing at iconic venues in non-traditional markets is a great way to showcase our game.”
The 2022 Ampol State of Origin Series is supported by the Western Australia Government through their tourism agency Tourism WA.
