Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium to stage relocated State of Origin finale

Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium has been confirmed as the venue that will host the final game of rugby league’s 2021 State of Origin III, with the switch from Stadium Australia prompted by Sydney's ongoing Coronavirus lockdown.

Following speculation that the fixture would be switched to the Newcastle venue, 20,000 spectators will be permitted to attend the game (75% of its seating capacity) on 14th July.

However, fans from Greater Sydney and the surrounding areas of the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour will not be permitted.

Stadium Australia was ruled out by the NRL last week, with Newcastle considered the frontrunner ahead of AAMI Park in Melbourne and a second fixture at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Advising that Newcastle’s hosting its first ever Origin clash would “create history”, NRL Chief Executive, Andrew Abdo stated “this is a reward for the people of Newcastle and Hunter region.

"These fans are among the most passionate fans in our game. They turn out and support the Knights every week and we are excited to bring Ampol State of Origin to Newcastle."

The change of venue for the third game of the series comes after the opening game was moved from the MCG to Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville due to Victoria’s lockdown.

On Friday, ARL Commission Chairman Peter V’landys said he was confident the game would be played in Newcastle, with only further restrictions resulting in no crowds forcing it to be shifted elsewhere.

Crowds in regional NSW including Newcastle are currently restricted to 50% of capacity, however this will increase to 75% of the seating capacity for the game - the same as what Melbourne will be by 14th July when the game is scheduled.

Sydney's lockdown has meant NRL games have been played in empty stadiums since last weekend, while both the Roosters and Rabbitohs have relocated home games to McDonald Jones Stadium. The lockdown has today been extended by at least another week.

V’landys told Sydney radio station 2GB last Friday “we are realistic, I don’t think we will be able to have it at Stadium Australia. It is only four or five days after the lockdown and there is always a lag between opening everything up and the lockdown so I would be surprised if Stadium Australia would be allowed to have a crowd.

"We are looking at various options. We would like to keep it in NSW and Newcastle is certainly one of the areas we are looking at.

"We have had some pretty positive discussions with government and hopefully we will be able to make a decision this afternoon."

"It is a rugby league heartland and if we can get things ticked off on by the NSW Government, I am pretty confident that we will have it at Newcastle."

Despite the first two games being played in Queensland, NSW have already won the series with two dominant displays.

Tickets will be available from Monday at 9am to QRL, NSWRL and Knights members and 11am for the general public. Tickets can be purchased online from Ticketmaster.

Image: Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium.