Where Fans Belong: Clubs Support State of Origin

The Where Fans Belong creative is now live, running from Sunday 5 July to Wednesday 8 July across the Nine network, on-demand streaming platforms, 2GB and social media channels.. 

Clubs are encouraged to amplify the campaign locally using available assets and live-read messaging to connect members and visitors with the role clubs play in the game. You can download the video asset here. 

From grassroots rugby league to Origin, clubs aren’t just where the game is watched — they are pivotal in the support of almost every player’s journey to the game’s biggest stage. 

Eighteen of the 20 players named in the NSW Blues squad for Game Three were supported in their junior careers by a local registered club in metropolitan and regional communities alike, including: 

• James Tedesco – Camden Rams (Wests Group Macarthur)  
• Jack Bostock – Shellharbour Stingrays (The ShellHarbour Club) 
• Bradman Best – Woy Woy Rooster (Ettalong Diggers)
• Stephen Crichton – St Clair Comets (St Marys Diggers and Band Club)  
• Mark Nawaqanitawase – Concord Burwood Wolves (Holman Barnes Group) 
• Mitch Moses – Holy Cross Rhinos / Carlingford Cougars (Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club, Viking Sports Club)  
• Nathan Cleary – Brothers Penrith (Henry Sports Club)  
• Payne Haas – Woodberry Warriors (Beresfield Bowling Club) 
• Reece Robson – Murwillumbah Colts (Murwillumbah Services Club & League Club)  
• Mitch Barnett – Wingham Tigers (Wingham Services Club)  
• Hudson Young – Greta Branxton Colts (Greta Workers)  
• Liam Martin - Temora Dragons (Temoa Bolwing Club/Temora Ex-Services Memorial Club) 
• Cameron Murray – Mascot Jets (Graphic Arts Club)  
• Addin Fonua-Blake – Mascot Jets (Graphic Arts Club)  
• Haumole Olakau’atu – Berala Bears / Wentworthville Magpies (Canterbury League Club, Wenty Leagues)  
• Blayke Brailey – Aquinas Colts (Club Central Menai)  
• Ethan Strange – The Entrance Tigers (Shelly Beach Golf Club)  
• Tolu Koula – Mascot Jets (Graphic Arts Club)  

Beyond broadcast deals, New South Wales clubs are among the game’s most significant financial contributors, providing more than $50 million to rugby league in the past year alone.  

Clubs continue to invest directly into the sport — supporting grassroots participation, strengthening local competitions and helping to develop the next generation of players across communities. 

At the same time, clubs remain the ultimate destination for fans to come together and experience State of Origin, delivering an atmosphere that can’t be replicated at home. 

Be Part of the Moment 

With Game Three fast approaching, the message is clear — there’s no better place to watch State of Origin than at your local club. Because when the moments matter most, clubs are where fans belong.