Victorian jobs and businesses have scored a big win, as one of the country’s greatest sporting rivalries returns to the MCG with game two of the 2024 State of Origin rugby league series, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos joined New South Wales Blues’ Jake Trbojevic and Queensland Maroons’ Daly Cherry-Evans – and an army of rugby league fans – at Fed Square today for the captain’s call ahead of tomorrow night’s clash.
Tens of thousands of rugby league fans from across Australia will travel to Victoria for the game which finds the Blues looking to avenge a 38-10 game one loss, while the Maroons are aiming to secure a series victory in front of the MCG crowd.
Tomorrow night’s game is the ninth time the two teams have faced off in a State of Origin clash on Victorian soil, with the last contest taking place in 2018 in front of an MCG crowd of almost 90,000 fans – generating an economic boost of more than $36.6 million for the Victorian economy.
The game bolsters our jam-packed calendar of sporting events that draw thousands of visitors to Victoria, with blockbuster fixtures like the State of Origin game two helping to boost the state’s $37.8 billion visitor economy – fueling local jobs, businesses and our economy.
This year’s calendar features record-breaking years for the Australian Open and Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Rip Curl Pro, the Matildas Olympic qualifying match, Global Football Week Melbourne, and the upcoming Ballin’24 matches and Wallabies v Wales Test.
First contested in 1982, the State of Origin is one of the most iconic rivalries in Australian sport, regularly ranking as one of Australia’s most viewed television programs – showcasing Melbourne to audiences across the country.
For more information about the game, and to secure the remaining tickets available for tomorrow night, visit nrl.com.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“This iconic clash has brought tens of thousands of rugby league fans to Melbourne and will also broadcast to millions more watching from home – cementing our status at the major events and sporting capital.”
“Whether you back the Blues or Maroons, tomorrow’s night State of Origin clash is shaping up to be one for the history books, and we’re proud to have brought this match to the MCG.”
As stated by NRL CEO Andrew Abdo
“The MCG is one of the biggest stages for Australia’s biggest sporting rivalry, State of Origin. Millions of people around the world will watch the match on Wednesday night and the atmosphere at the MCG will be electric. I thank the Victorian Government for their support of Rugby League and for supporting State of Origin in Melbourne.”
