It has caused much debate of late, particularly from both the NSW and QLD camp – at the idea to take additional games to Melbourne, during the State of Origin series.
With NSW coach Ricky Stuart clearly against the idea, he is vehemently against the notion of taking games away from NSW, thus resulting in their losing home-ground advantage.
For Melbourne Storm and QLD captain Cameron Smith however, whilst he can understand the frustrations of Ricky Stuart, he believes that it is imperative to take games to Melbourne, so that other states can witness the spectacle that is Origin.
“I am sure Mal would have said the same thing as Sticky [Stuart] if we’d lost one of our home games,” Smith said in Sydney yesterday.
“I think it’s great that they are taking the game to Melbourne. It’s an area where we are still trying to grow.
“We’ve had a lot more support than we’ve ever had for rugby league down there and it’s nice we’re trying to expand the game.”
Smith also remained hopeful that the Victorian Government would be able to renew its contract to host an Origin game, for the next 3 years.
“I know a lot of people come down from New South Wales to watch the game in Melbourne and make a week of it, so they do get good support down there,” Smith said.
“I understand people’s feeling that it’s tribal and it’s all about Queensland and New South Wales, but, if we’re doing it on a three-year rotation, then I can’t see too many issues.
“The last time we played in Melbourne, it was a Queensland home game, and we gave it up and I didn’t have a drama with that.”