Queensland Origin legend Justin Hodges has called for the NRL to take a State of Origin game to New Zealand.
League Nation Live panellist and sports journalist Peter Badel broke the story in Brisbane’s Courier Mail following State of Origin One, with the NRL planning to take one game annually to a neutral venue.
Auckland’s 60,000 seat Eden Park is expected to get the nod, should New Zealand be granted hosting rights to an Origin encounter.
The North Island city has long been a focal point of New Zealand Rugby League, and is not only home to the New Zealand Warriors, but has also hosted the NRL Nines for the past three seasons.
Over 200,000 people have attended the Nines event and Hodges told League Nation Live taking an Origin game across the Tasman would be a great move for Rugby League.
“I think it’s about time that they took Origin further.
“I think it’s about time we do expand. When you go over there with the Broncos, people are constantly asking you about hosting an Origin game.
“Both teams get one in each state, it’s our showcase, why not showcase it,” Hodges said.
