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Why Parker is 'okay' with NZ State of Origin match
Nicholas Quinlan • October 27th, 2025 6:49 pm
Corey Parker has admitted that he is okay with a State of Origin game being played overseas for the first time in 40 years.
It was announced over the weekend that an agreement-in-principle was made between the ARLC and the New Zealand Government that would see Rugby League’s showcase event heading across the Tasman.
This will mean that Game II of the 2027 series will be played in Auckland at Eden Park, which has a capacity of 50,000.
There is also the possibility of it becoming a double header with a Women’s State of Origin to be played as well, although that is yet to be confirmed.
This is now just the latest move made by Peter V’Landys and Andrew Abdo as they look to continue Rugby League’s expansion around the world.
Reacting to the announcement, the lock who played 19 games for Queensland believes that the locals will support the landmark match.
“I’m okay with that,” Parker explained on SENQ Breakfast.
“I think that it will be well received, I think they’ll get around it, and to be fair, I think we owe New Zealand a little bit.
“Because they propped up the game for a while.”
Pat Welsh would likely agree with Parker, noting that the turnout at Warriors games in recent years demonstrates a genuine love for the game.
“Totally agree!” Welsh added.
“The reaction to the Wahs over the last couple of years, they’ve been playing out to sellout crowds, it’s fantastic.
So sure, take it to New Zealand, I’ve got no dramas with that whatsoever.”
