All the highs, lows and big blows from Game One of State of Origin.
Billy Slater will get a chance to play Origin at the MCG for the first time next year. Source: News Corp Australia
RUGBY league’s State of Origin series will return to the MCG next year for the first time since 1997.
The Victorian Government has announced that it has secured the second match in next year’s series to be played at Melbourne’s biggest stadium.
A Jarryd Hayne-inspired NSW has taken a 1-0 lead in the 2014 State of Origin series, with a determined 12-8 victory over Queensland in game one on Wednesday night.
DEBATE: TAKING ORIGIN TO THE ‘ G WORTH THE EFFORT
It looms as a first for the likes of Melbourne Storm superstars Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Ryan Hoffman, who have never played at the famous venue.
It will be the fourth time Origin has been played at the MCG and the first since 1997.
Former NSW halfback Brett Kimmorley reviews a pulsating State of Origin opener and discusses Josh Reynolds' challenge against a lifting charge.
The first Origin game at the venue in 1994 attracted 87,161 people.
Game two of the 1995 series and the third match in 1997 were also played at the MCG.
Melbourne last hosted a State of Origin game at a sold-out Etihad Stadium in 2012 which was famous for the fallout over a controversial Greg Inglis try.
Speaking at the announcment, NRL CEO David Smith said the game was making a welcome return to the MCG.
“There is nothing which can match the passion, desperation, skill and excitement of Origin at its best,” Smith said.
“I can only imagine the atmosphere of an Origin game before a huge crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground,” he said.
“The players love nothing more than being part of such an important match on such a big stage.”
Smith also announced Australia would play England at AAMI Park as part of the Four Nations on November 2.
“We want to have an impact, not just at the elite level but at the grassroots and junior levels as well,” he said.
“That’s why part of the funding from this partnership will go towards community development activities for rugby league in Victoria.”
More to follow...
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