Origin series secures dates after easing tensions with broadcasters

THE ARL Commission has finalised the dates for this year’s State of Origin series after smoking the peace pipe with free-to-air broadcast partner Channel 9.

The 40th anniversary of State of Origin will be held on November 4, 11 and 18, with Channel 9 opting for the traditional Wednesday night timeslot.

There was a push for the Origin games to be staged on Sunday nights this year to maximise TV ratings, but the ARLC and Channel 9 have agreed to stick with the existing midweek formula.

There were fears Channel 9 could walk away from State of Origin as it assessed the value of this year’s coronavirus-affected competition, but ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has eased tensions with the freeto-air giant.

A source close to broadcasting talks said while the dates have been locked in, the venues for the three Origin fixtures have yet to be finalised.

The reluctance to formalise venues suggests the ARLC is holding out hope of taking the showpiece event to Adelaide Oval, which was slated to host the series opener on June 3.

By staging the series in November, the ARLC hoped the South Australian Government would have time to relax social distancing laws to allow 53,000 fans into Adelaide Oval.

It is unknown where an Origin game will be played in NSW, with the Sydney Cricket Ground scheduled to host the Twenty20 World Cup from October 24. Parramatta’s Bankwest Stadium is one option for a Nsw-queensland showdown in Sydney.

The one certainty is that Queensland’s Suncorp Stadium is available, with Suncorp boss Alan Graham keen for the hallowed ground to host two Origin matches this season.

The NRL grand final will be played on Sunday, October 25, giving any NSW or Queensland players who feature in the decider 10 days to prepare for the Origin series opener on November 4.