Just days after being moved to Newcastle from Stadium Australia, Game III of this year's State of Origin series has again been shifted, this time to the Gold Coast for the first time in the contest's history.
The NRL confirmed the move to Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday night, highlighting government concerns about Sydney's COVID-19 outbreak spreading to regional New South Wales.
It means all three games in the 2021 series will have been played in Queensland, following the first two in Townsville and Brisbane respectively.
Queensland will now not only be looking to avoid a series clean sweep, they'll be hoping to save themselves the ignominy of losing all three games on home soil.
The move is yet another significant call by the NRL as they try to steer the game through the lockdown in Greater Sydney and surrounding areas.
In a statement on Saturday night, the NRL said the NSW Government couldn't approve the hosting of an event with a crowd in Newcastle under current circumstances.
Cbus Stadium will be permitted to host a capacity crowd of 27,000 for the 2021 Origin finale.
“We are disappointed not to be able to give Newcastle the city’s first State of Origin, but we must operate within all State Public Health Orders and not having a crowd in Newcastle negates the opportunity for our fans from the region," NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.
"The Gold Coast has a very low infection rate and both Origin camps are currently located within driving distance of Cbus Stadium. It means neither team will be disadvantaged by travel.
"This is an exciting outcome for the Gold Coast. It will be the first time in history that the Gold Coast has hosted State of Origin.
"It does mean all three games are played in Queensland, but our priority is ensuring the safety of the community and the continuity of the competition.
"I want to thank the Queensland Government for yet again providing their support rugby league."
