Cook Government to ink deal within days to bring AFL State of Origin 2027 clash to Perth

The deal to bring a State of Origin clash between WA and South Australia to Perth next year is set to be inked within days, The West Australian can reveal. An official announcement on the Origin blockbuster will be made soon, with the WA Government convincing the AFL the west deserved to stage next year’s game after the successful Vics versus Sandgroper spectacle in February. It is understood the game will once again be played in February – one month ahead of the season starting – with the AFL, clubs and players all agreeing the time slot had worked particularly well when Origin was played at Optus Stadium on the 14th earlier this year. With South Australia set to retain Gather Round, it can further be revealed that Sport Minister Rita Saffioti is lobbying hard for AFL Origin to become a regular event at Optus Stadium, arguing no other State does it better than WA in staging big footy and sporting events. Ms Saffioti was remaining tight lipped on the soon-to-be-inked deal with the AFL but told The West Australian on Saturday: “We’re proud that Western Australia brought State of Origin back to life this year.” “We love our footy in WA, and the sold-out game at Optus Stadium showed there is enormous appetite for AFL Origin and that Perth was the right place to help lead its revival. “We will continue working closely with the AFL to bring State of Origin back to WA and we’ll have more to say soon.” Nearly 60,000 footy fans — 10,000 from interstate — packed Optus in February to see State of Origin return to annual footy calendar after a 25-year hiatus. A gallant WA just fell short of a win, with Victoria beating the Sandgropers 18.17 (125) to 15.11 (101). Straight after the game, WA chairman of selectors Glen Jakovich called for a rematch with the cocky Vics, but Victorian chairman of selectors Garry Lyon reckoned the Sandgropers would have to wait a while. “I know Jako wants that (WA) versus a Victoria rematch, but I think it’s now six in a row six in a row (of) Victoria beating Western Australia,” Lyon told The West Australian after the Optus spectacle in February. “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 back to the end of the line.” But it’s the Vics who have gone back to the end of the line in terms of staging Origin games, with the AFL agreeing with Ms Saffioti that WA deserved to stage the hold big event. It’s understood the AFL was keen to expand Origin to include SA — but opted for a Sandgroper versus Croweaters contest in 2027 instead of a SA versus Victoria game. Lyon declined to comment on the WA versus SA game on Saturday. Like WA, the South Australians boast some of the nation’s best footy talent – including Lachie Neale, Brodie Grundy, Jason Horne-Francis and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera. Jakovich recently told The West Australian WA deserved to be the home of State of Origin, saying his home State had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the spectacle should be played in the west. “As a great football State, WA needs to be recognised. We should be getting more of these marquee events because we have also got the best stadium in Australia,” Jakovich said. “Look at how we performed as a State in February. “We (WA) should be rewarded for what we achieved and delivered on February 14 with Origin. “I have already told them (AFL) that. “But during the course of the year, during my meetings over there, I will be reminding them of that.” The former West Coast legend said a yearly State of Origin carnival in Perth - or a carnival held every two years in Perth - could involve an all-stars side from Queensland and NSW against WA, Victoria and SA. “South Australia has hit the sweet spot with Gather Round - they’ve pinched it off everyone else and have done well,” Jakovich said. ““But WA could host a State carnival with Origin. “You could have WA, Victoria and South Australia and a combined New South Wales and Queensland team which you could call All Stars. “I’d like the carnival annually, but you could do it every two years.”