Carnival involving WA, VIC and SA Cook Government’s dream pitch to secure return of AFL State of Origin 2027

A footy carnival involving WA, Victoria and South Australia is the Cook Government’s dream pitch to secure the return of State of Origin next year. Mindful that SA wants a go in the reborn contest, Sports Minister Rita Saffioti and Tourism Minister Reece Whitby have written to the AFL suggesting a three-team carnival in Perth next February. “I’d love a rematch (with Victoria),” Sports Minister Rita Saffioti told The Sunday Times. “But if there is a possibility of having South Australia involved in either a two game, or three-game carnival - we would like to host that. “We have put up our hands to say we are very, very keen to host (that).” The return of Origin last Saturday at Optus Stadium, after a more than 25-year hiatus, exceeded all expectations. The game was a sell out with more than 58,000 fans packing the stadium , some 8000 of those from the eastern states. “New figures from the Australian Hotels Association show hotel occupancy on Saturday night sat at 95 per cent,” Mr Whitby said. “Our relationship with the AFL is already incredibly strong, and we look forward to engaging closely with them on delivering more blockbuster games for Western Australians and footy fans everywhere.” Last Saturday’s game was a thriller - the Vics beating WA 18.17 (125) to 15.11 (101) with the Sandgropers close to stealing the game in the last quarter. And any pre-game thought that players would be half hearted about the contest for fear of getting hurt was quickly dispelled, with everyone who took the field ensuring a full-blooded contest. Following the game, the AFL declared State of Origin will return in 2027, but the question is where, and in what format? WA wants Perth to become the permanent home of AFL Origin. “We’ve proven we can do it,” Saffioti said. “There is massive appetite for Origin. The players love it. The public love it. “On a fairness level, Victoria has the grand final, South Australia has Gather Round. So, we believe we should have State of Origin.” Ms Saffioti said eventually she would like NSW and Queensland involved in AFL Origin. “There is the question of New South Wales and Queensland (being involved),” she said. “But at the very least we (WA Government) think hosting Victoria and South Australia would be a great thing in WA.” Victorian chairman of selectors Garry Lyon said WA, the players and everyone involved in last weekend’s State of Origin had done themselves proud. He said WA had a very strong case to stage another game next year. “WA made a compelling case (to stage Origin next year),” Lyon said. “Everyone bought in. Before the game there was this narrative that players might not take the game seriously, but that was put to bed.” Lyon backed an Origin carnival, featuring SA, Victoria and WA and possibly Queensland, but thought 2027 might be too early for a multi-state contest. “I am not sure we are ready to play a round robin, but if you did, you would have WA, Victoria and South Australia and maybe Queensland gets its own (team), maybe an Indigenous team gets thrown into that mix,” he said. Straight after the final siren blew on last Saturday’s game, WA chairman of selectors Glen Jakovich called for a rematch against Victoria. “I know Jako wants that (WA versus Victoria rematch), but I think it’s now six in a row (of) Victoria beating Western Australia,” Lyon said. “You know what it’s like in the boxing world. “You get a shot at the heavyweight champ and then (if you don’t win) you go back to the end of the line.”