Perth to host State of Origin in 2022

Western Australia has secured hosting rights to one of the most watched games on Australian television, with the State of Origin set to be held at Perth’s Optus Stadium in June 2022.

During a press conference this morning, Premier Mark McGowan confirmed that WA would host the second game of the annual best-of-three rugby league series between NSW and Queensland.

The event drew more than 11,600 visitors from interstate when WA held the first game of the series back in 2019, most of whom stayed about six nights in the state and, collectively, brought more than $19 million to the economy.

Mr McGowan said he expected next year’s event to be no different, with significant benefits anticipated for tourism operators, hotels, bars, restaurants and other hospitality operators.

Tourism Minister David Templeman praised the National Rugby League and Tourism WA for their efforts to secure the event, which is highly competitive because of the economic benefits of hosting the game.

Mr Templeman said he expected the event to be bigger and better than that held in 2019, and an opportunity to sell Perth and WA to those from interstate.

Mr McGowan would not be drawn on how much the state government spent trying to secure the event, but said the decision had been supported by the auditor general.

With the event still 14 months away, Mr McGowan said he expected most Australians to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by that time, but added WA would collaborate with the NRL on special travel arrangements, if necessary.

A television audience of more than 2 million Australians are expected to watch the broacast.