NRL chief executive officer Andrew Abdo has remained coy on State of Origin‘s move to New Zealand despite it appearing to be a fait accompli.

News Corp reported on Wednesday that the New Zealand government had backed plans to have a State of Origin match in the country by 2027.

The deal is reportedly part of a $70 million funding project for marquee events in the country.

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Speaking on 2GB’s Wide World of Sports Radio, Abdo wasn’t willing to confirm it was set in stone yet.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 05: Andrew Abdo, NRL CEO is seen during the trophy presentation during the NRL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Storm at Brisbane Broncos at Accor Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.  Getty

“We’re hard at work and that is a very strong possibility,” he said.

“I can’t confirm anything yet because we haven’t had any finalisation of that.

“But how good is it in terms of the game in New Zealand? Rugby league is growing and New Zealand is an incredibly important market for us and there’s strong demand and great interest.

“The opportunity to showcase something like State of Origin, we see the success in Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide; to add Auckland to that I think would be fantastic so hopefully that’s something we’re able to confirm and officially announce soon.”

Isaah Yeo embraces Cameron Munster after game two of the 2025 State of Origin series.

Isaah Yeo embraces Cameron Munster after game two of the 2025 State of Origin series.  Cameron Spencer via Getty Images

The last time State of Origin went overseas was in 1987 when the match went to Long Beach, Califorina.

This year’s series will be played at Sydney then Melbourne and finishes in Brisbane.