A State of Origin clash between Queensland and New South Wales will be staged at Eden Park in Auckland in 2027 after three years of negotiations between New Zealand officials, the NRL and the Australian Rugby League Commission, with an expected crowd of 50,000+.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said the match represents a major moment for rugby league in New Zealand, helping grow the game while delivering significant economic benefits, including an estimated $17.4 million boost, more than 10,000 international visitors and over 50,000 visitor nights.
Funding support from the Major Events Fund and regulatory changes allowing more night events at Eden Park helped secure the match, while ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said the historic fixture would showcase rugby league’s biggest rivalry to New Zealand fans amid strong growth of the sport across New Zealand and the Pacific.
We’re bringing State of Origin to Auckland next year!
This will be the first time New Zealand has hosted State of Origin, a huge milestone for league fans across the country.
It’s also significant for our economy.
For every $1 spent on major events like this, it generates… pic.twitter.com/9eNTJGANQ0
— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) February 15, 2026
