We are at t-minus two nights until State of Origin returns for 2017, and as always, this years’ Series is already generating plenty of hype before a ball is even kicked.
But what if there were a way to make the greatest spectacle in Australian sport even better?
Here are three ideas to improve the State of Origin experience to ensure we get an even better show in coming years.
An added bonus
This one’s a slightly more novel suggestion, however, it is something that takes place in another sporting league – Major League Baseball.
The winner of the annual MLB All-Star Game between the American League and the National League also wins home field advantage for their champion going into the World Series.
Last year, the AL won, so their leagues’ representative in the WS, the Cleveland Indians, won Game Seven at their home field, Progressive Field.
What if we brought a similar rule into play for Origin? The state that wins the series also owns the right to host the Grand Final.
This one would have to wait a few years, as Suncorp Stadium is already set to host the NRLs’ decider in 2019 due to construction scheduled for ANZ Stadium.
But with the Queenslanders so often trumpeting about how their state is the “home of rugby league”, I propose they put their money where their mouth is, and play for it.
If they win, fair play to them. The Grand Final’s yours. For this year, at least.
