Canberra’s GIO Stadium becomes first neutral venue to host 2022 Women’s State of Origin

The National Rugby League, alongside the Canberra Raiders and the ACT Government have today announced that Canberra’s GIO Stadium will be the first neutral venue to host the 2022 Ampol Women’s State of Origin on Friday, 24th June.

With Queensland and NSW having both won two Origin matches each, NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo advised “it was fittng the fifth game is played at a neutral venue.”

GIO Stadium underwent significant upgrades in 2020 to deliver female-friendly change rooms aligning with a commitment from ACT Government to support participation for women and girls involved in sport across the Territory and with ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister for Women Yvette Berry commenting “the ACT is a leader in women's elite and semi-professional sports and simple changes to facilities reduce the barriers that some women face when participating in sport and recreation.

“Improving facilities and changing rooms is part of a range of measures being undertaken by the ACT Government to support women in sport. 

“The ACT is a leading destination for women’s sport in Australia and I can’t wait to see the game.”

NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said Canberra’s GIO Stadium as a neutral venue highlights the growth of the event, with regions outside of the home states seeking to host the match.

“Ampol Women’s State of Origin is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting events on our calendar and we are delighted to be taking the Game to a neutral venue for the very first time,” he said.

“When Women’s State of Origin was launched at North Sydney Oval in 2018 we all knew it would build to something special and Canberra becoming the first neutral venue to host the event is another step in the evolution and growth of the women’s game.

“Canberrans are passionate rugby league fans and we’re looking forward to giving fans the opportunity to witness the elite women’s game for the very first time. It’s a great city and we’re delighted to take new content to the region.”

Canberra Raiders Chief Executive, Don Furner said having Ampol Women’s State of Origin at GIO Stadium was a boost to the club and local supporters.

“The Raiders are very excited with the news that the 2022 Women’s State of Origin is coming to Canberra for the first time and we know the local community will support the match at GIO Stadium,” he said.

“The Raiders are working hard on our bid to secure an NRLW team for 2023 and high-profile women’s matches in Canberra will go a long way to showing our commitment and passion for the women’s game.”

Series partner Ampol will once again showcase the game’s up-and-coming junior female players through the Ampol Little Origin program. The next generation of female players will have the opportunity to take to the field at half time, continuing the strong focus on aligning the elite game with grassroots programs.

Tickets will be on sale for the General Public next Wednesday, 16th March, via nrl.com/tickets.