BY STAFF WRITERS

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys says a full-time switch for State of Origin could be on the cards if this year’s series – being played after the NRL season – rates through the roof.

With COVID-19 causing havoc on the game, Origin has been moved to after the grand final and will be played over three straight weeks.

Origin is already a ratings juggernaut and the three annual games are some of the most watched broadcasts – sport or otherwise in Australia every single year.

“It’s an interesting experiment to experiment this year to play State of Origin after the season because it ensured the integrity of the game throughout the year,” V’landys told Channel 9’s 100% Footy.

“You haven’t got that break where teams lose out because all their good players are playing State of Origin.

“If it rates the roof off it could be a permanent change to have it after the season. So given our structure and schedule next season to the broadcasters, we can put both, the State of Origin in the middle and after the season. Because if it’s a success and rates the roof off, we may leave it after the season’s finish.

“If the State of Origin works after the season finishes then why change it? We’ll perform better than any sport in Australia financially if we can play every game.”

While V’landys conceded Test matches could still be played during the NRL season, the International game and specifically the sport in England would suffer.

State of Origin in November each year would almost completely kill any chance of the Kangaroos touring the United Kingdom or teams touring Australia.