The NRL has moved the final match of the State of Origin series to the Gold Coast due to coronavirus restrictions in Newcastle.
It means New South Wales Blues – who lead the series 2-0 after rampant victories in the opening two games – have the chance to win three State of Origin matches in Queensland to complete what would be an unprecedented clean sweep.
Game one of the series was scheduled to be played in Melbourne, only for COVID-19 restrictions to force a switch to Townsville.
While game two took place as planned in Brisbane, game three – which is next week – was moved from Sydney's Stadium Australia to Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium.
However, with Sydney and the surrounding areas in lockdown, New South Wales' regional government advised that a major event with a crowd would not feasible.
Gold Coast has been selected as a low-risk option, with both teams located close to the Cbus Stadium, which will be able to welcome a capacity crowd of around 27,000.
Though it means all three matches will have been held in Queensland, Blues coach Brad Fittler is unfazed.
"It's disappointing that we can't play at Newcastle and play in front of a NSW crowd," Fittler said. "But we will play anywhere, anytime."
The Blues thrashed the Maroons 50-6 in game one, before winning game two 26-0.
