Origin III to be played in Newcastle due to Sydney lockdown extension

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State of Origin is set to break new ground for the second time in three matches with Newcastle expected to be revealed as the host venue for next week’s third clash.

Stadium Australia was scheduled to host the July 14 match but Sydney’s extended COVID-19 lockdown has forced the NRL to look elsewhere for the second time this year after Townsville hosted the season opener.

NSW will chase an Origin clean sweep next week without playing a single match in Sydney.Credit:Getty

McDonald Jones Stadium, the home of the Newcastle Knights, was widely expected to host the clash in the event it was moved from Sydney and News Corp Australia reports the ground will be at 75 per cent capacity, which should ensure a crowd of almost 25,000.

Victoria, which lost hosting rights for the opening match last month following that state’s most recent outbreak, and Queensland were also in the mix to host Origin III.

More to come

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