The rise and success of the New Zealand Warriors in 2023 could land the country an inaugural State of Origin game in 2025, according to the Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio.
New Zealand hosting an Origin game was initially suggested at the start of the year, with many suggesting it to be a return for the sacrifices the team made during the Covid-affected seasons.
The Warriors have proven to be one of the most popular teams in the NRL and have captured the imagination of rugby league fans across the nation.
With expansion talks consistently on the cards for the NRL, Riccio revealed that the NRL’s dream to grow the game extends beyond adding an extra team.
“The NRL are serious, there’s been some major discussion over the last week within weeks in and around taking an Origin game to New Zealand, in the agreement of a new broadcast deal,” Riccio told SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I’m pretty sure it’s from 2025 onwards, that’s going to be key, they have to get (them on board), if Channel Nine indeed is the Origin broadcaster at the time.
“The NRL have a serious appetite in expanding the game and taking the greatest spectacle the game has to New Zealand, I’m all for it.”
SEN’s Andrew Voss backed the idea but raised serious concerns about the timing of the game if it was to be played at the traditional Wednesday night slot.
“In relation to the timeslot, it has to be an afternoon game in New Zealand and therefore bringing that earlier timeslot back in, be it six or seven o'clock at night in Australia,” Riccio added.
“That’s a discussion point play it on a Sunday afternoon in New Zealand and there’s no doubt the wave of excitement and success of the New Zealand Warriors has raised this discussion point.
“The NRL can see what is happening over there, they are the hottest ticket in town, in New Zealand the Warriors have had four subsequent sold-out crowds.
“The news that the NRL is considering taking an Origin match to New Zealand justified to the New Zealand Public that the NRL is also serious about backing rugby league in New Zealand… watch this space.”
The NRL is currently in negotiations with Channel Seven, Fox Sports and Channel Nine over the broadcast rights of Origin from 2025 onwards and will likely have a big impact on the future of a New Zealand-hosted game.