The 2015 State of Origin has been launched in Melbourne today – and, from initial reaction, this year’s series looks set to be more special and spectacular than ever before.
Sport’s greatest rivalry kicks off on May 27 at ANZ Stadium in Sydney – and NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley and our VB Blues are champing at the bit to continue their winning ways.
NSW VB Blues captain Paul Gallen can’t wait to begin the 2015 series in Sydney and head to Melbourne for the Game Two – and, of course, defend his team’s Origin title.
"To run out onto the MCG, hopefully in front of 100,000 fans, will be an unreal feeling," Gallen said.
"It's the greatest rivalry in Australian sport and we'll show [Melburnians] what rugby league is all about.
NRL CEO Dave Smith said anticipation ahead of this year’s series – and the second Origin clash in Melbourne – was greater than ever.
"State of Origin is one of sport's greatest rivalries. It played to massive crowds in all three matches last year and took out the top two television ratings spots for the year," he said.
"When Origin was first played at the MCG, it attracted a crowd of more than 87,000 fans in 1994 – which was the highest crowd for a Rugby League match in Australia.
"Origin now reaches more than eight million unique fans on social media – and that number is growing all the time.
"So the scene is set for an Origin series which will be taken to millions of fans across the country and around the globe."
Smith said the decision to stage a match at the MCG was part of the NRL’s push to keep growing the game.
Tickets for Origin III at Suncorp Stadium went on sale at 10am (AEDT) today. Tickets for Games One and Two are already on sale. Purchase tickets here.
2015 Holden State of Origin Series
Game I – ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Wednesday, 27 May
Game II – Melbourne Cricket Ground, Wednesday, 17 June
Game III – Suncorp Stadium, Wednesday, 8 July
For all the latest Origin information, set NSWRL.com.au as your homepage! It’s the official online home of your Origin side, the NSW VB Blues.
