Latest News Melbourne celebrate Harvey Norman State of Origin Series
| Melbourne celebrate Harvey Norman State of Origin Series |
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| Thursday, 12 March 2009 04:23 |
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Melbourne yesterday celebrated its first ever Harvey Norman State of Origin Series launch and first series opener with a new-look campaign that underlines the desperation of both teams.
The larger-than-life campaign featuring Etihad Stadium transforming into the ancient Colosseum and Origin stars as modern-day gladiators takes on special significance for Craig Bellamy’s NSW Aussie Blues, who face the fight of their lives to end Queensland’s quest for an unprecedented fourth straight series triumph. That quest will begin at the same venue that kicked-off Queensland’s winning series run – Etihad Stadium (formerly Telstra Dome) – in a match that signalled the start of a successful partnership between the Australian Rugby League and Victorian Government to bring major events to Melbourne. Melbourne will host the opening game of the Harvey Norman State of Origin Series for the first time on Wednesday, June 3, with Sydney’s ANZ Stadium to host Game 2 on Wednesday, June 24, and Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium to host Game 3 on Wednesday, July 15. “The Australian Rugby League has been working with the Victorian Government since 2005 to bring major events to Melbourne and the opening match of the 2009 Harvey Norman State of Origin Series is the next step in that successful partnership,” ARL Chief Executive, Mr Geoff Carr, said today. “The fact that we moved a Queensland home match that traditionally sells out within an hour to Melbourne reflects the success we have enjoyed when bringing major Rugby League events to the city. “The 2006 decider here will be remembered as one of the great Origin clashes and Melbourne fans again came out in force to support the Australia-England Test during the World Cup, with both matches bringing in thousands of interstate and international visitors to Victoria.” XXXX Queensland Maroons coach Mal Meninga is excited at the prospect of returning to the venue that started their winning run – a thrilling 16-14 victory in Game 3 of the 2006 Harvey Norman State of Origin series in front of more than 53,000 fans. “Victorians are in for a special treat because a lot hinges on that first game,” Meninga said. “The result is very important for both teams and I’m sure it is going to be a great spectacle. “The crowd was very supportive of the Queensland side in that (2006) game. “There were certainly a lot more maroon jerseys in the crowd than blue jerseys.” NSW Aussie Blues coach Craig Bellamy added: “To play an opening match of an Origin series here is a great reward for Melbourne Rugby League fans. “Obviously Storm players have figured prominently in the series in the past few seasons and I know how much it means to them to have the chance to be able to play in an Origin game here. “It is something they will all be striving to do and it is a match the Melbourne public will embrace because it is one of the great events in Australian sport.” Etihad Stadium’s southern changeroom was today transformed into a Gladiator battleground as a specially-created Origin advertising campaign was unveiled in front of guests including NSW Origin stars Ryan Hoffman, Anthony Quinn, Brett White and Steve Turner plus Maroons stars Billy Slater, Cam Smith, Greg Inglis and Dallas Johnson. The 60-second television advertising campaign, created by Mr Paul McKay’s award-winning MJW Advertising Agency, features the latest 3D build computer technology, culminating in the transformation of Etihad Stadium into the ancient Colosseum as Origin heroes collide in classic moments from last year’s series and in scenes co-ordinated by a movie stunt fight expert. “The 2009 State of Origin television campaign is the ultimate expression of the Gladiatorial nature of Rugby League at its best,” Mr McKay said. “The game is staged in a contemporary expression of the original Roman Colosseum. “It captures all the excitement, drama and body-to-body contact of these games, plus it typifies the gladiatorial, do-or-die nature of the rivalry between Queensland and New South Wales for both players and fans alike. “At MJW, we are extremely proud to be associated with this world-class sporting event and our expression and execution of it.” Tickets for Game 1 of the Harvey Norman State of Origin Series at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium (formerly called Telstra Dome) on Wednesday, June 3, are on sale through Ticketmaster on 136 100, at Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.com.au. Tickets for Game 2 of the Harvey Norman State of Origin Series at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, are on sale now through Ticketek on 132 849, at Ticketek outlets or online at www.ticketek.com.au. RLCM Rugby League Travel Information - THE RUGBY LEAGUE EXPERIENCE - We are proud to be the only travel company that specialises in the “Greatest Game of All”. We have vast experience with sending rugby league fans, just like you, as well as teams, to the biggest games in Australia and abroad. So whether you are with a business, social group, fan club or Junior Rugby League Club it is the best way to secure your group seating and accommodation. 1 Test Match - AUSTRALIA V NZ FRI MAY 8 BRISBANE THE RUGBY LEAGUE EXPERIENCE |