Queensland Maroons coach Kevin Walters is excited by the opportunity to open the team’s 2020 State of Origin campaign at Adelaide Oval after the iconic ground was today confirmed as the Game I venue.
The historic series opener in South Australia will be played on Wednesday, November 4, with the NRL also confirming Sydney’s ANZ Stadium (November 11) and Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium (November 18) as the venues for Game II and Game III respectively.
The Harvey Norman Women’s State of Origin will be held on Friday, November 13 at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Walters believes the schedule change brought about by the COVID-19 health pandemic will benefit the Maroons in the men’s arena.
“Some of our younger players in particular are getting more and more experience as every week passes in the NRL,” Walters said.
“I’m also really encouraged by the strong connection within the Queensland squad. We’ll be ready for Game I in Adelaide.
“I believe that we are in a position of strength and I am excited about the future of our Queensland team with so many exciting young players coming through our Origin program.”
After months of uncertainty, Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons coach Jason Hetherington was delighted to hear Sunshine Coast Stadium had received the tick of approval.
“It’s exciting that it’s there, more so for the girls that they’ll get to play in front of a home crowd and have the additional support; with family and friends that can make it,” Hetherington said.
“I am happy that they can run out in front of a wall of maroon, a sea of maroon support.”
Hetherington said the recent Holcim Cup competition had provided the players with much-needed game time.
“The players looked great in the Holcim Cup, they looked in good condition and I am excited about it,” Hetherington said.
