The National Rugby League (NRL) today marked 50 days to go until the start of Ampol State of Origin 2024, officially launching this year's series at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
A new chapter in Australian sport's biggest rivalry begins at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Wednesday 5 June, ahead of a return to the MCG on Wednesday 26 June and a finale at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday 17 July.
Game Two brings the series' first visit to Melbourne since 2018, 30 years on from the first ever Origin clash at the MCG in 1994, when the New South Wales Blues overcame the Queensland Maroons 14-0 in front of a then-record Origin crowd of 87,161 fans. The current record of 91,513 was also set at the MCG, in Game Two of the 2015 series.
The Blues have won four of the five Origin games at the famous venue, including each of the last three, and new head coach Michael Maguire will hope to extend that record as his side looks to stop Billy Slater's Maroons from securing a third consecutive Origin series win.
The NRL's EGM Elite Football Graham Annesley, who refereed the first Origin game at the MCG in 1994, said, "Since we first brought the game here 30 years ago, State of Origin football under the MCG lights has been one of the great occasions in Australian sport. After a six-year gap between visits, we're delighted to be bringing Origin back to fans in Melbourne in what will be a pivotal night in the outcome of the series."
Ampol State of Origin is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through its major events and tourism agency, Visit Victoria.
Series partner Ampol will once again showcase the game's up-and-coming junior players through the Ampol Little Origin program, with activations occurring at halftime of all men's and women's Origin matches.
Tickets for Ampol State of Origin 2024 start at $49 for adults and $137 for families, via nrl.com/tickets
To truly elevate the Origin experience, NRL Hospitality packages for Ampol State of Origin 2024 are also on sale via nrl.com/hospitality
