NZ set to host State of Origin game

Daly Cherry-Evans makes a break during game three of the 2014 State of Origin series. Photo / Getty

New Zealand might soon get a taste of State of Origin with Auckland Nines promoters Duco Events eager to enter formal discussions with the NRL about hosting a match in Auckland.

NRL chief executive Dave Smith told The Courier-Mail one game every three years will continue to be played at a neutral venue with plans for games to be played in Perth and Auckland, while Queensland skipper Cameron Smith has also backed the idea.

"We have two in Queensland, two in NSW then the third year, there is one in another place," Smith told the Courier Mail. "The idea is to broaden the fan base. It could be in Perth, Eden Park or back here in Melbourne. It wouldn't be in NSW or QLD is all.

"We are putting it out to tender. We then make a call on the best offer which is not just about the finance. I had a look at Perth's new stadium two weeks ago. It is coming along well. The technology going into the stadium is incredible for fans. It is a contender."

Eden Park is the likely venue for an interstate clash in New Zealand, with Duco Events willing to pay for hosting rights and build upon their existing association with the NRL, after successfully staging the Nines pre-season tournament over the last two years.

"There will be a massive appetite for it," said Higgins.

"It will be hugely successful and I believe it will be when, not if. We'd love to do it so we look forward to talking to the NRL about that possibility.

"Our two organisations have worked well together and it makes sense especially when you're in a new market to work with local partners who know the market. We are all ears if they want to have that conversation.

"That relationship is growing but it's great to hear that they're considering the idea."

Wednesday's game two of this year's State of Origin series will be played in Melbourne. The city has hosted six Origin games and will host another in 2018. Hosting rights for 2019 are up for grabs.

Auckland has long-been talked about as a venue to host an Origin game but this is a signal it could be closer to happening. The New Zealand Rugby League have also talked about trying to create their own Origin concept involving New Zealand teams.

Veteran Maroons' skipper Smith is keen on seeing new venues used.

"In the future we should look to expand," he told The Courier-Mail. "Origin has been successful when it has been played outside New South Wales and Queensland.

"I can understand why people would want it to stay in NSW or Queensland but if we want to grow our game then it is important to showcase the biggest event in different areas.

"The three times I have played in Melbourne, in '06, '09 and '12 they have sold it out. This will be the largest crowd I have played in front of.

"People in New Zealand follow Origin closely. There's a fair few Maroons supporters out there, too. The QRL have started a campaign over in New Zealand to grow our supporter base. Down the track we will probably see a State of Origin played in Auckland."