Game One 2009: Melbourne?

[Boofhead]

Heard on the footy show that one of our home games is getting moved to Melbourne? Anyone got a source?

[DIEHARD]

It's fact, his was agreed to years ago. Remember when NSW for goed one, well it's Queensland's turn in 2009.

I think it's good for the game and a real show of support from the ARL to the national game.

Shame we lose a home Origin, but at least they favour Queensland in Victoria!

So make sure you don't miss those Origin tickets for the one game that is left.

[DIEHARD]

Melbourne to host Origin I

The Australian Rugby League has confirmed Melbourne's Telstra Dome will host the opening match of the 2009 State of Origin series on June 3.

ARL chairman Colin Love made the announcement in Melbourne attending a function for Telstra Dome's Rugby League World Cup match between Australia and England on November 2.

The move is part of an ongoing commitment to representative league matches in Melbourne and follows a sell-out Origin crowd of 54,833 for the 2006 decider, won by Queensland.

Another Melbourne crowd over 30,000 watched the league Test between Australia and New Zealand the same year.

"Through representative matches and the Melbourne Storm there is a strong commitment to providing Melbourne audiences with direct access to the best in rugby league," Love said.

"The response from Melbourne fans, from the Victorian government and from the Telstra Dome management has been very encouraging."

Game two of the 2009 Origin series will be played in Sydney, with game three in Brisbane.

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au

[daveyk]

every 3 years one game of the SOO series is played in melbourne....

its been happenign for quiet a while now...

i think its great coz it takes the game to a neutral playing field - well - sort of
Victorians cant stand NSW and half of the strom are QLD anyway...

telstra dome is an AWESOME venue and will hoping to make it down there and then to suncorp to witness a 4th series win in a row....

yes i am starting early so just BRING it you little ****roache pests...

[Dummy Half]

every 3 years one game of the SOO series is played in melbourne....

its been happenign for quiet a while now...

yes, for 3 years actually.
the last game played in Melbourne before game 3 2006 was game 2 1997
over nine years earlier.
not exactly every 3 years.

i dont mind them taking a game down there
BUT NOT a QLD home game!!
Our fans actually want to show up to our games in QLD
If your gonna take a game down there - take the NSW one
WE sell out games in 3 hrs
THEY take 3 months to get the place 93% full
its simple, take the NSW game to melbourne.
Then everyones happy!
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[daveyk]

yes, for 3 years actually.
the last game played in Melbourne before game 3 2006 was game 2 1997
over nine years earlier.
not exactly every 3 years.

i dont mind them taking a game down there
BUT NOT a QLD home game!!
Our fans actually want to show up to our games in QLD
If your gonna take a game down there - take the NSW one
WE sell out games in 3 hrs
THEY take 3 months to get the place 93% full
its simple, take the NSW game to melbourne.
Then everyones happy!
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i apologize... i honestly thought that melb had, had more than just 2 games down there.... i wonder who will get the 2 games the year afte then

[DIEHARD]

They also had a Tri Nations game in VIC in 2006. And the Kangaroos v England World Cup match is selling very well.

I agree with Dummy Half, let's take one of NSW's game's every 3 years and move it. Queensland supports their Origin games.

But I whole heartedly agree with the ARL moving games down there and I hope it continues, especially when the Storm move into their new 32,000 seat stadium. Hopefully with class facilities and that hardcore 12,000 Storm fan base with some cross promotion to carry over fans from the Tests and Origins in Melbourne, we can see some really great crowds and atmosphere at Storm games.

[Dummy Half]

i apologize... i honestly thought that melb had, had more than just 2 games down there.... i wonder who will get the 2 games the year afte then

No need to apologize mate, they have had more than two.
There's been 5 origin games played in Melbourne.
but they were all in the 90's (97, 95, 94 & 90).
There's only been that one (06) in the last 11 yrs
And hopefully QLD will be getting all their regular home games from now on
Although i'd rather they went back to the way they did it in back in the 80's
Up until 1988, NSW only had one (if that) home game a year
I see NO problem in adopting that system again
but some might complain....
though god knows why
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