LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
New Zealand has reportedly secured State of Origin Game 2 in 2027, marking the first overseas staging of the interstate series since 1987.
The match is expected at Eden Park, a choice that former player-turned-analyst Matty Johns supports.
However, Johns has argued the kickoff should be moved to daylight hours to suit local fans rather than the scheduled 9:30pm slot.
"I'm all for it (NZ hosting Origin), but I would love to see a day game over there. This game has to be a happy medium. We should not put this on at 9:30pm in New Zealand just to make it primetime here. If it's important enough to take the game to NZ, lets do it on their time," Johns said on SEN Radio.
The NRL typically assigns Game 2 to neutral venues as a way to bridge the divide between leagues and broaden the game's reach.
That neutral-venue strategy has worked, and the interest in contests across the Tasman has increased markedly.
The Warriors have played a key role in that surge, drawing an average home crowd of 25,382 during the 2025 season.
Johns expressed enthusiasm about the move, pointing to the club's growth and the expanding profile of rugby league in New Zealand.
"I am pumped for this. The atmosphere is going to be electric, they love their rugby league there and it's another way the NRL is putting the flag in a country dominated by union. Overdue in my opinion," Johns told SEN.
Looking ahead, Game 2 will be hosted by Melbourne in 2026.
The series is scheduled to return to Perth in 2028, a year after the Bears enter the competition.