Origin III to smash all the records

THIS could, quite simply, be the greatest game of all.

The State of Origin decider is shaping as the biggest match in the 37-year history of the rivalry.

Origin III at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, which is almost a 52,000 sellout, is on track to smash an array of viewing and betting records in a match that could generate as much as $200 million.

With the series tied at 1-1, industry insiders believe Channel 9 will reap a ratings bonanza that will surpass the Origin record, set in Game 1 last year. At its peak, some 4.423 million viewers had tuned in. It averaged 3.951 million viewers across the telecast.

Given NSW’s stunning blowout victory in Game 1 and Queensland’s comeback win to square the series three weeks later, those record figures are primed to be beaten.

That would make Origin III the most-watched television show in Australia this year and possibly the highest-rating game in rugby league history.

Betting agencies around Australia will also benefit as they are expected to hold an astonishing $12 million on the game.

The broadcasting rights, ticket sales and merchandising are set to hand Origin III unprecedented revenue of up to $200 million.

Amazingly, about 11 million people throughout Australia will have watched the threematch Origin series in 2017.

“The stage is set for what will be one of the biggest ever games in the history of State of Origin,” NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said.

The TAB alone could hold up to $5 million on the match.