South Australia is reportedly set to return to State of Origin footy, as part of a deal involving Gather Round, which may leave one state out in the cold.

Nine Adelaide’s Braden Ingram reported SA is set to sign a new contract which will include their return to Origin.

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According to the report, South Australia’s return will be played “interstate” – meaning outside of SA – before getting to host Origin at Adelaide Oval likely in 2028.

Western Australia hosted Victoria this past February, with the Vics winning by 24 points, and WA is known to have strong interest in retaining hosting rights.

That leaves a question over whether Victoria could be left out of the 2027 game despite winning in 2026, or if they will be made to face South Australia in neutral Perth.

Alternatively the league could expand Origin even further to create multiple games, with Sydney’s Callum Mills telling AFL Media in the pre-season he would happily play for the Allies (historically including the ACT, NT, NSW, Queensland and Tasmania).

That could create a four-team weekend carnival based in one city.

AFL State of Origin. Victoria vs Western Australia at Optus Stadium. Victoria’s Bailey Smith clears by hand. Picture: Michael KleinSource: News Corp Australia

“A new Gather Round contract will be signed by our state in the very near future,” Ingram explained.

“I can tell you as part of the deal, South Australia will play State of Origin football for the first time in 28 years.

“Origin returned from its hiatus this year in Perth, and next year SA will get its shot. That clash set to be played interstate but South Australia will get the chance to again host Origin likely in 2028 at Adelaide Oval.

“Andrew Dillon is jetting into town for the Showdown tomorrow, and while an announcement is incredibly close, league sources tell me tonight it won’t come tomorrow despite plenty of speculation.”

A new boutique venue is set to be built in the McLaren Vale wine region to support Gather Round, similar to the one in Lyndoch in the Barossa Valley.