Newcastle is being seriously considered to host the third State of Origin fixture, especially if the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow in Greater Sydney.
Stadium Australia, at this point of time, will stage the rugby league showpiece on 14 July.
However, the NSW Government introduced new restrictions at the weekend in a bid to limit the spread of the highly-contagious Delta strain.
From 6pm on Saturday 26 June, stay-at-home orders were extended across Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong until Friday 9 July.
People who have been in those areas on or after Monday 21 June are also required to follow those guidelines for a period of 14 days after they left Greater Sydney.
On Saturday night, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro took to social media, posting on Twitter: “Despite the growing risk of COVID-19 in Greater Sydney, we will not be giving up our right to host the State of Origin decider.
“I’ve spoken to @pvlandys and indicated we could host the game in Newcastle if the health advice recommends it not be held in Sydney.”
The next morning (27 June), ARL Commission chairman Peter V’Landys refused to rule out the Hunter as a possible location.
“The full impact of the NSW Government announcement on the competition and Origin will be ‘investigated and analysed’ before any decision is made,” he said.
“But, yes, Newcastle and, possibly, Canberra are options.
“However, financial considerations will also come into play.
“Unfortunately, where COVID-19 is concerned, it’s an ever-changing situation.
“What might be fine one day, isn’t necessarily the same 24 hours later.”
Newcastle Knights legend and Eighth Immortal Andrew Johns said he fully-supported an Origin move to McDonald Jones Stadium if the need arises.
“How good would that be?” he stated.
“The Hunter loves its rugby league.
“I think Newcastle would welcome the prospect with open arms; just look at the way Townsville embraced the first game this year.”
There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week.
To find your nearest testing clinic visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.
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