Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner reveals he has had talks with the NRL to bring a State of Origin game to New Zealand.
Last month, ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys confirmed to The Australian newspaper that New Zealand was a consideration as early as 2027.
NZ Warriors boss Cam George has also been a vocal supporter of rewarding New Zealand rugby league fans with a State of Origin match in between New South Wales and Queensland.
Sautner confirms he has had discussions with the NRL and George over the possibility, and is desperate to make State of Origin in New Zealand a reality.
"We're putting up our hand and saying Eden Park wants to host State of Origin, and we want to make it possible," he told Newshub.
"We will work with both the council, central government, but also the NRL. I know the Warriors crowds have been enormous at Mt Smart.
"We're just hoping to see that growth of the game and that is something we've seen with the FIFA Women's World Cup.
"The legacy, both on and off the field, can't be underestimated and if league want to see a second franchise in New Zealand, what better way to demonstrate than having a State of Origin at our national stadium?
"I have had both correspondence with the NRL and also Cameron George to say we are keen, we want to find a way.
"We understand there are barriers in terms of finances, but in principle, we think the New Zealand market deserves to see the pinnacle of league being played at our national stadium."
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited - the region’s economic and cultural agency - has also confirmed there have been initial conversations with the NRL on staging a round of State of Origin in 2027.
The NRL has already agreed to take State of Origin games to Melbourne in 2024, and 2026, and Perth in 2025, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
