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The Ampol Women’s State of Origin will return to the Sunshine Coast in 2021.

The National Rugby League (NRL) announced today that Sunshine Coast Stadium would host the fixture, on Friday, June 25.

In an historic first, both teams will feature female coaches – Tahnee Norris (Queensland Maroons) and Kylie Hilder (NSW Blues).

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the Sunshine Coast deserved to host Ampol Women’s State of Origin again following the success of 2020.

“Women’s Origin is one of the highlights of our calendar and we’re excited to see it return to the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Abdo said.

“Last year’s game was an incredible success, albeit with COVID restrictions. We’re looking forward to giving the Sunshine Coast community the opportunity to fill Sunshine Coast Stadium this year.

Mr Abdo said Women’s Origin was continuing to grow.

“Women’s rugby league is the fastest growing part of our game and this year we will create history with two female coaches, that’s a great acknowledgement of the talent in our female ranks.

Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe welcomed the announcement.

“The growth of the women’s game is wonderful, and Queenslanders will welcome this match once again with open arms,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Not only did last year’s game bring an exciting spectacle of skill, it also brought fans and visitors to the Sunshine Coast, providing a welcome boost for local tourism operators.

“Queensland became a major sporting hub last year and many codes and competitors are returning again this year after enjoying our world-class facilities and incredible lifestyle.”

Sunshine Coast Councillor Peter Cox said council was excited to partner with the NRL and Tourism Events Queensland again to host the Ampol 2021 Women’s State of Origin at the Sunshine Coast Stadium for the second time in two years.

“The Sunshine Coast was thrilled to host the first Women’s State of Origin match played in Queensland last year and after the Maroons’ thrilling win in that match we’re confident of another sell-out crowd,” Cr Cox said.

“We anticipate that this event will be a drawcard for footy supporters from around Queensland and interstate, which would provide a significant boost for the local economy, from the airport to accommodation, and flow on hospitality and attraction visitation.

“From coastline accommodation to beautiful bushland hideaways in our hinterland, I encourage footy fans from everywhere to plan a weekend getaway to experience real culture, real people, real nature and our really beautiful winter weather.”

“We also want the Sunshine Coast to be the epicentre of elite women’s sport and it’s terrific that we’ll be able to showcase the Women’s State of Origin clash on the Friday night and our incredibly successful Sunshine Coast Lightning netball team who play the Magpies at home the following day.”

Tickets are on sale today via nrl.com/tickets. Supporters can watch the historic match from just $5 for juniors, $15 for adults and $35 for families (a one-off handling fee of $2.50 applies on all transactions).

The NRL thanked the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council for their support of the Ampol Women’s State of Origin match.

The full Ampol State of Origin series is as follows:
Game I – Wednesday 9th June 2021, MCG
Game II – Sunday 27th June 2021, Suncorp Stadium
Game III – Wednesday 14th July 2021, Stadium Australia
Women’s SOO – Friday 25th June 2021, Sunshine Coast Stadium