Origin decider for Melbourne

[#CowboyDavid]

I can't believe they are even considering this. Origin was last played in Melbourne in 1997 when NSW gave up home-ground advantage for game two of that series. The Blues won a cliffhanger at the MCG, 15-14, in front of a disappointing crowd of about 25,000
There'll be alot of disappointed Blues fans next year as it will be their game that is given away.


Origin decider for Melbourne
By Karl deKroo
July 6, 2005

MELBOURNE could stage the decider of next year's State-of-Origin series, with negotiations to bring rugby league's showpiece event back to Victoria almost complete.

Australian Rugby League chief executive Geoff Carr said last night that planning to bring an Origin game to Melbourne next year was in its final stages.

"There are still a few issues to work through," Carr said.

"But we are in the process of negotiating a long-term plan to bring premier rugby league games to Victoria."

An Origin match next year and another in 2010 are said to be the basis of the package.

Melbourne would also play a key role in the staging of the 2008 rugby league World Cup.

Despite reservations from league officials, including Queensland coach Michael Hagan and his New South Wales counterpart Ricky Stuart, Melbourne Storm and NSW winger Matt King last night welcomed any move to play Origin in Victoria.

"A game in Melbourne would be a terrific boost for the game there," King said.

"Origin is the pinnacle of rugby league and it would be great for Victorians to see it up close and personal."

Origin was last played in Melbourne in 1997 when NSW gave up home-ground advantage for game two of that series. The Blues won a cliffhanger at the MCG, 15-14, in front of a disappointing crowd of about 25,000.
"There would be a bit of disappointment from people in NSW or Queensland to give up one of their games," King said.

"Origin is such a big thing and the home-ground advantage is pretty significant. But I just think it would be great for rugby league in Melbourne if we got the odd game there."

NSW is favoured to win tonight's Origin decider in Brisbane. Only once in 25 years of Origin have the Blues come from a game down to clinch a series win.

Blues halfback Andrew Johns said he was looking forward to playing in front of 50,000 rabid Queenslanders at Suncorp Stadium and warned he could improve on his virtuoso performance in Origin II.

"I love playing up here," he said in Brisbane yesterday.

"Everyone hates you."

[nq_gurl]

it has been confirmed. game III, 2006 will be held in Melbourne.

good for the game in the order of increasing popularity in Melbourne but the fact that it may be a decider is what i dont agree with. game II should have been held there.

[KT]

i agree on not having the decided in melbourne
but game II in melbourne - no way, then there wouldn't be a game at all in Queensland!
maybe have game I in melbourne

[Jordan]

Oh well... from a Queensland perspective, at least it's not at Telstra Stadium as we've never won there... maybe we'll have more success at the Dome.

Even still..I don't think Melbourne deserves an Origin game- especially a potential decider.

Origin is dieing anyways...it's a shadow of what it once was. It's nowhere near the spectacle it was even 10 years ago...imagine what it will be like 10 years from now... SOO would always die when QLD lost that passion, and the spirit we've come to know and love. It's on its death bed right now I'm sad to say.. It may be good for revenue raising or whatever (which is why they wont get rid of it), but it's just not the same anymore.

[Stido]

I got no probs with the 3rd game being played at a neutral venue. If it's a decider it evens up the teams. I think all SOO deciders should be played at a neutral venue to ensure that the crowd doesn't play a part in the result. Much fairer.

In fact, I think every decider should be played at Dairy Farmers Stadium. :thumbright: heehee

[cphil83]

Origin is just dead because Queensland havn't won in ages. How far did you jump when Matty scored that golden point try? Origin will rise back to its glory once Queensland wins again. What Queensland needs is more Webcke, Tallis or Gillmiester blokes. People who would bust their ass for the maroons, although it would be great to have a bloke like Wally Lewis.

[Billybob]

Mate i actually agree with Jordan on this one

there is no origin if Qld dont win
look at what it (qld losing) has started ,there is now talk of lockyer and some of the broncos being told to start being greedy and put their club before origin if that is not signalling the death of origin then i dont know what is

in its prime you would not have ever heard that kind of talk

but the clubs are saying **** if we cant win why sacrifice our best players and lose them for our club games

[hermies_kye_yonky=8]

I am so glad they have chosen to take origin back to Melbourne. I believe however that game 1 should be in NSW or QLD then game 2 in melbourne then game 3 in NSW or QLD. Its a positive move for the game imo