State of Origin Three has been moved to Newcastle and will be played in front of just shy of 20,000 people after the NSW government agreed to allow a 75 per cent attendance at McDonald Jones Stadium.
It's a huge boon for the steel city, which has one of the most passionate rugby league fanbases in Australia.
Origin III has been under a cloud for almost two weeks after Sydney was plunged into lockdown due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
However Newcastle has been sheltered from the latest coronavirus chaos and has already benefited from the relocation of two NRL games – last Thursday's Roosters vs Storm match-up and this Friday night's clash between the Rabbitohs and Cowboys.
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While the home of the Knights has been considered a favourite to grab the final Origin game of the series, following on from the success of Townsville's Origin I, the NRL only confirmed the switch this afternoon after getting an assurance on the crowd cap they would be working with.
The MCG was also seriously considered for the game after missing out on State of Origin I due to a COVID outbreak last month.
However, Origin III was scheduled to be a NSW home game and the victorious Blues side will now get the chance to celebrate their historic two wins in a row in Queensland in front of a parochial home crowd next Wednesday.
In a statement released to announce the venue change, the NRL said Newcastle represented "a safe option for the game with no community transmission, allows fans to attend live and ensures NSW will host a home game during the series."
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo trumpeted the decision as a big win for Novocastrians.
"This is a reward for the people of Newcastle and Hunter region,'' he said.
"These fans are among the most passionate fans in our game. They turn out and support the Knights every week and we are excited to bring Ampol State of Origin to Newcastle.
"One of the positives to come from the pandemic has been the opportunity to give passionate rugby league communities like Newcastle and Townsville the chance to host Origin when they otherwise wouldn't."
Abdo added that the Blues and Maroons should get credit for their patience after both teams had their preparations disrupted by logistical issues.
"I would like to thank both State Teams for their patience in allowing us to secure a safe venue with the capability of a passionate crowd."
Tickets for the match will go on sale on Monday, and will be available at NRL.Com/Tickets.
Fans who purchased tickets to the scheduled game at Stadium Australia will automatically have their tickets refunded.
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