Matty Johns wants to see a bit of spice added to the State of Origin series, with a "winner takes all" Game 4 game to be added.
With the series being played as a standalone post-season event for the first time ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first game in Adelaide recorded its lowest viewership in 17 years, prompting Johns to see a change.
Speaking on SEN,ย Johns wants to see the Origin games moved back to the middle of the season in 2021.
But he also wants a fourth game included at the season's completion which will ultimately decide the winner of the series and for it to take place in England just before next year's Rugby League World Cup.
โIf I was Peter Vโlandys Iโd have three State of Origins throughout the year and Iโd be having a concept called State of Origin winner takes all,โ Johns said.
โYou go to the players and say weโre going to play this (fourth game), $70,000 for the winner, nothing for the loser.
โThe first place youโd do it, before the World Cup next year and go and play it at Old Trafford, Manchester. Simon Moran, the Warrington Wolves owner who is the big rock promoter.
โI asked him how long would it take to sell it out?
โHe said: โan hourโ. If you want to promote the game you do it as a world event, you do it before the World Cup next year.
โYou say to (Australia coach) Mal (Meninga) donโt pick a team, donโt indicate anything, do it as a probables versus possibles, from there you pick an Australian side and the rest of them fly home.โ
Itโs hard enough on clubs & players to have to play 3 extra games during the year, or at seasons end. Especially when played at that intensity. So now Johns would like to see players chosen risk serious injuries, be away from whoโs paying them to play ( their clubs ) & be even more worn out going to play in England. With a 4th game. Stupid idea & not an idea that many players would like the sound of.