The 2020 State of Origin series will begin in Adelaide on November 4.

State of Origin heading to Adelaide for first time in 2020 series opener


Adelaide will host a State of Origin game for the first time when New South Wales and Queensland do battle in the 2020 series opener.

The first game of this year's series will be held at Adelaide Oval on November 4, it was confirmed on Tuesday.

Sydney will host game two a week later before the final clash in the series is played in Brisbane on November 18.

The 2020 State of Origin series is being played after the NRL season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"State of Origin is the greatest rivalry in Australian sport and Australia's most watched television event," NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.

"It transcends the two states and captivates the interests of the entire nation. We are excited to play this historic game in South Australia for the very first time.

"In recent years Origin has captivated Melbourne and Perth and we cannot wait to see how the people of Adelaide respond. The interest from states, outside New South Wales and Queensland, to host our showpiece event is extraordinary."

A plan around capacities at each venue is yet to be decided, with restrictions set to be in place due to COVID-19.

Blues coach Brad Fittler is confident about New South Wales' chances of winning a third straight series.

"I'm really looking forward to play in Adelaide for game one as it's such a historic venue and then we get the opportunity to play in front of our home fans in Sydney which is something that our players love to do," he said.

Fittler added: "I've been impressed with the character and resolve the team has displayed in winning the past two series and I'm confident we will do well if we do that again."