Auckland to Host 2027 State of Origin Game 2 on June 16
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has officially confirmed that Auckland will host the 2027 State of Origin Game 2 on Wednesday, June 16. This prestigious event marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time the State of Origin series is held outside of Australia. The match will feature the iconic NSW Blues going up against the formidable Queensland Maroons at Eden Park, New Zealand’s premier sporting venue, which can accommodate up to 60,000 fans with the addition of temporary seating.
Auckland’s selection as the host city for the 2027 Origin Game had initially been announced in February, generating excitement among rugby league fans. The much-anticipated event is being financially supported by both the New Zealand federal government and the Auckland Council. Organizers expect a considerable influx of Australian tourists heading to New Zealand to partake in the festivities surrounding the game.
By securing the date almost a year in advance, the ARLC aims to facilitate the sale of travel packages starting this Tuesday, providing fans with ample opportunity to plan their attendance at the game. In addition to the State of Origin match, it has been arranged for the New Zealand Warriors to play a regular NRL match at Eden Park three days prior, contributing to a week-long celebration of rugby league in Auckland.
Notably, the Warriors have not played a game at Eden Park since 2014. They are set to make their much-anticipated return on Anzac Day, Sunday, April 25, facing an opponent that has yet to be determined. The timing of the Auckland Origin match has been carefully planned, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 PM local time. This ensures that the game starts at 7:30 PM for fans on Australia’s east coast, leading to a memorable late-night experience for the thousands of spectators in attendance.
Aaron Murphy, the founding editor of the Australian news desk for Flashscore, has been an integral part of the organization since 2018. He has covered numerous high-profile events, including the Australian Open and various rugby league matches, providing in-depth reporting and analysis. Fans can follow his insights through his articles on Flashscore and connect with him on social media platforms.