The Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues will play Game Three of the Ampol State of Origin series on Wednesday July 14 at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle after the NSW State Government extended the COVID-19 lockdown for the Greater Sydney region.
NSW has already reclaimed the Shield after winning Game One 50-6 in Townsville and Game Two 26-0 in Brisbane and could become the first Blues team in 21 years to win a series 3-0 if they beat Queensland in Newcastle next week.
The match was scheduled to be played at Stadium Australia before being transferred to McDonald Jones Stadium and will be played in front of 20,000 fans or 75 per cent seated capacity.
Fans from lockdown areas including Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour will not be permitted to purchase tickets.
“While the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues aren’t able to play at their home ground at Stadium Australia, the opportunity to take Game Three to Rugby League heartland in Newcastle is an exciting alternative,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.
“The team has played tremendously well to return the Shield to NSW and they are looking forward to playing in front of a hometown crowd after the first two games were held in Queensland.
“I’m confident the players will give a great account of themselves and will have plenty of support cheering them on to make it a 3-0 series win.”
Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues assistant coach and former Newcastle Knights premiership winning player Danny Buderus said there would be no shortage of support for the Blues from one of the game’s most passionate supporter bases.
“It will be amazing to see those two famous jerseys rich in history and with such a rivalry going at it on our home track in Newcastle,” Buderus said.
“It’s a huge bonus and no-one in Newcastle would have ever dreamed they would have an Origin game in their own backyard.
“I’m sure the stadium will be full of passionate NSW supporters and I’m confident the game will help inspire the next generation of Blues players.”
Tickets will be available to NSWRL, QRL and Newcastle Knights members from 9am on Monday 12 July, 10am for the NRL waitlist and 11am for the general public.
Click here for the NRL waitlist.
