Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has secured State of Origin for 2027 after three years of high-level talks with the NRL and the Australian Rugby League Commission.
Auckland has confirmed today that Eden Park will host the first official Origin match ever played in New Zealand. This marks the first time the match has been played outside of Australia in 40 years.
Fifty thousand fans are expected to pack the stadium under lights for one of rugby league’s fiercest rivalries, Queensland versus New South Wales.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says securing Origin for the city reflects Auckland’s strength as a major sporting centre.
“Auckland is a great sporting city, so it’s fantastic that an iconic event like State of Origin will be coming here next year.
“This city is the home of rugby league in New Zealand and thanks to the recent success of the Warriors, the sport here has never been bigger.
“From the outset, Auckland made it clear we wanted to bring State of Origin to our city, and we’ve worked hard to secure it.
“We know how to host major events, and we know the value they bring. This match will mean full hotels, busy restaurants and bars, and thousands of visitors experiencing everything our region has to offer.”
Hosting State of Origin is expected to attract more than 10,000 international visitors from Australia, generate over 50,000 international visitor nights, and inject an estimated $17.4 million into the economy.
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys AM says the historic clash gives the people of New Zealand the opportunity to experience the intensity of the game’s greatest rivalry.
“Rugby League is the number one sport in Australia and the Pacific, and the growth we have seen in New Zealand over recent years has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Mr V’landys says.
“State of Origin isn’t just a football match — it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s the greatest rivalry in Australian sport, and in 2027 it will be showcased on one of the most famous sporting stages in the world.
“The eyes of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and beyond will be on Eden Park, and it will be a milestone moment for the game.”
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says the announcement reflects Auckland’s ambition.
“We’ve just opened the NZICC - the first truly world-class convention centre of its scale in New Zealand - and now we’re bringing State of Origin to our shores.
“We’re building the infrastructure, the capability and the reputation to compete globally for major events - and to win.
“This didn’t just happen. Auckland went out and secured it. I want to acknowledge the outstanding work of Auckland Council Events and the NRL who worked patiently alongside our partners to get this deal across the line.
“We know the economic impact events like this deliver and we know how to leverage these moments for long-term benefit, not just a single night.”
Sir Graham Lowe, the only New Zealander to coach a State of Origin team as a former Queensland coach, says the occasion will be one to remember.
“Eden Park in its history has had some exciting events that have kept people talking for years. State of Origin will take it to another level again.
“Kiwis are excited about State of Origin, but there are only a few of them that have had the opportunity to actually watch it live. This will be a fantastic occasion for Auckland.”
Eden Park’s 50,000-seat capacity is expected to sell out, with strong interest anticipated from both New Zealand and Australian fans.
“Aucklanders will turn up - we always do - but we also want the planes full of Queenslanders and New South Welshmen and women heading across the Tasman” says Brown. “Make a week of it. Bring your mates. Bring your families.”
The Mayor says ensuring major events are funded fairly remains important for Auckland.
“We’ve consistently said that a bed night visitor levy would mean major events like this are funded by the visitors who benefit from them.
“If the government had listened to what Aucklanders asked for and allowed us to introduce a levy, Auckland ratepayers and taxpayers wouldn’t be funding this. It would ultimately be funded by visitors to the region.”
The 2027 fixture is being co-funded in partnership by Auckland Council Events and the New Zealand Government via the Major Events Fund.
Further details, including match date and ticketing information, will be announced in due course.
Photo credit - PhotoSport