South Australian hotels and pubs are gearing up for one of Australian sport’s biggest events with State of Origin Game I kicking off in Adelaide tomorrow night.

Despite COVID-19 restrictions, thousands of interstate travelers have descended on the ‘City of Churches’ for the blockbuster showdown.

According to Miles Kemp of The Advertiser, local businesses are expecting a dramatic spike in traffic.

“Hoteliers are optimistic the event will bring the most interstate tourism dollars to SA since COVID-19 restrictions began, even with crowd numbers capped at half capacity – 27,750,” Kemp wrote.

Meanwhile Blues utility Cody Walker has revealed that he thinks his club coach Wayne Bennett could be Queensland’s secret weapon ahead of the match where the Maroons are heavy outsiders.

“The one thing you can know for sure with Wayne is Queensland will be up for it, he will have them firing and he will have them motivated. That’s one of his greatest strengths – he knows how to motivate a team and push their buttons,” Walker told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Walker will start from the bench on Wednesday night.