On Sunday night Bob Walsh was with the NSW Blues, celebrating a historic State of Origin series win at Suncorp Stadium.
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Now with concerns around the location of game three in this year's series, could he be taking in the match in his own backyard in Dubbo?
According to a News Limited report on Tuesday night, the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is pushing to have the third match in this year's series played at a regional venue as Sydney deals with a COVID lockdown.
Game three, in which the Blues will be aiming to complete a clean-sweep after wins at Townsville and Brisbane, is scheduled to be played on Wednesday, July 14, at Stadium Australia but that is in serious doubt now.
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Walsh is the Group 11 president but is also a board member at NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) and was in attendance for the first two games of this year's series.
"We'd like to have it in New South Wales, of course," Walsh said.
"We thought they might take it to Newcastle. I don't think we should be going back to Queensland again."
Newcastle remains the favourite to host the match as it sits outside the boundaries of the Greater Sydney lockdown and would be able to have more than 30,000 people in attendance.
But RLPA chief executive Clint Newton said to News Limited it would be "incredible" to have the showpiece event at a location like Dubbo, Tamworth, or Mudgee.
Regardless of where it is staged, Walsh is hoping to be able enjoy a moment as special as the one at Suncorp Stadium.
The Brad Fittler-coached NSW downed the Maroons 26-0 at Queensland's home of rugby league.
"With the record we have at Suncorp, it was great to be able to do that," Walsh said.
"They're a mighty team and they all play for each other."
Walsh singled out star centre Latrell Mitchell for praise, saying he was "a different player" to the one he was just a couple of years ago.
"He's playing great football, as they all are. I don't think there's a weak link in the team."
A decision on the location of game three is expected this week.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
