This year, Sydney will host both a historic standalone State of Origin encounter on Sunday 24 June, when the NSW Blues face rivals QLD Maroons at ANZ Stadium in Game Two of the 2018 Series, and the first ever Women’s State of Origin game played under the Origin brand on Friday 22 June.

In partnership with the NRL, Queensland State of Origin legend, Cooper Cronk features in a short video, personally urging fans to visit Sydney for game two of this year’s State of Origin Series.

The dual Dally M Medallist was filmed in locations across Sydney, where he highlights some of his favourite activities, attractions, food destinations and hangouts.

NSW Minister for tourism and major events Adam Marshall said the State was proud to host the first Sunday State of Origin encounter in almost two decades and the Women’s State of Origin on the same weekend, providing fans with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a long weekend in the Harbour City.

“NSW is the country’s number one state for tourism and major events, with the annual State of Origin Series one of Sydney’s key sporting events both in terms of visitation and exposure via broadcast audiences.

“In 2017, Sydney hosted Game Two of the Series which attracted 19,000 overnight visitors, delivered $12 million in visitor expenditure to the NSW economy and was watched by 3.5 million people across Australia.

“Fans attending this year’s Game Two in Sydney could witness history in the making, with the fixture a potential Series decider, adding further significance to this Sunday encounter.