This year’s Women’s State of Origin match will be played at Canberra’s GIO Stadium for the very first time, it has been announced.
Since the women’s version of the interstate match was rebranded in 2018, the combatants have won two games each, with the Maroons out to make it three-straight in 2022.
The match is scheduled for Friday, June 24, with the men’s format to follow two days later and fall on the Sunday during that week. it’s a bye week for the NRL, so the women’s showpiece kicks off a standalone representative weekend.
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“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,” said NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.
“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.
“Both states have won two Origin matches each, so it’s fitting the fifth game is played at a neutral venue.
“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 CEO Don Furner said it was a timely boost for the state as the club continues its bid for an NRLW licence in 2023.
“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.”