The NRL is reportedly giving serious consideration to a major change to State of Origin in the next broadcast deal that would see the competition suspended for three weeks while the rep games are played. The NRL and State of Origin schedules have been a point of contention for years, with widespread bewilderment as to why the comp continues during Origin.
The Roosters and Dolphins game last weekend had 12 Origin players missing – James Tedesco, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Sam Walker, Reece Robson, Lindsay Collins and Victor Radley for the Roosters, and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Tom Flegler, Max Plath and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki for the Dolphins. The Broncos were also without Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Kotoni Staggs in their thrashing at the hands of Souths, who were missing captain Cameron Murray.
State of Origin could be played in three consecutive weeks from next season. Image: Getty
The current system is a mess, with random teams on the bye during Origin weeks and others forced to play without their stars. The weeks after Origin games are often missing stars as well if teams are unwilling to risk them backing up.
But according to Travis Meyn of The Courier Mail, things could be about to change. The NRL has reportedly listened to the complaints of fans and will consider playing State of Origin in three consecutive weeks while the NRL comp is suspended.
The Dolphins and Roosters game had 12 State of Origin players missing.
(Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images)
The NRL will have a new broadcast deal from next season, which means it’s the perfect time to impose the change. It means club teams won’t be dudded for having players in Origin and fans won’t be short-changed.
Meyn wrote on Monday: “The NRL premiership has now become so taxing and high stakes that Origin in its current form needs to be looked at.” The ‘League Scene’ account wrote: “A pause during the season is on the cards for three weeks, to play Origin over three consecutive weeks and then return to the season.”
In a poll of over 28,000 Yahoo readers, over three-quarters believe the NRL comp should be suspended for State of Origin.
NRL fans demand State of Origin change
One pundit wrote on social media last weekend: “Suspend all club matches and have an exclusive 3 game State of Origin window and then back into it on a level playing field. These ridiculous split rounds get more farcical every year.”
Another commented: “This Origin schedule makes a farce of the NRL season. It HAS to be a designated 3-4 week representative period in the next broadcast deal.” While a third added: “Hate the Origin during the regular season. Ruins seasons.”