Canberra will play host to the best female rugby league players in the country with the 2022 Women’s State of Origin fixture to be played at GIO Stadium on Friday 24 June.

It is the first time the game will be played outside of NSW and Queensland with NRL CEO Andrew Abdo saying the neutral venue is testament to the growth of the event.

“Ampol Women’s State of Origin is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting events on our calendar and we are delighted to be taking the game to a neutral venue for the very first time,’’ Abdo said.

“When Women’s State of Origin was launched at North Sydney Oval in 2018 we all knew it would build to something special and Canberra becoming the first neutral venue to host the event is another step in the evolution and growth of the women’s game.

“Both states have won two Origin matches each, so it’s fitting the fifth game is played at a neutral venue.”

Mr Abdo said he was pleased that Canberra would host another major NRL event.

“Canberrans are passionate rugby league fans and we’re looking forward to giving fans the opportunity to witness the elite women’s game for the very first time,” he said.

“It’s a great city and we’re delighted to take new content to the region.”

Canberra Raiders CEO Don Furner said having the feature event at GIO Stadium was a boost to the club and local supporters.

“The Raiders are very excited with the news that the 2022 Women’s State of Origin is coming to Canberra for the first time and we know the local community will support the match at GIO Stadium,” Furner said.

“The Raiders are working hard on our bid to secure an NRLW team for 2023 and high-profile women’s matches in Canberra will go a long way to showing our commitment and passion for the women’s game.”

ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry says this is an important milestone for women’s sport in Canberra.

“The ACT Government has been a long-time advocate of growing awareness and support for elite female teams and athletes and I’m so excited to see this great event come to Canberra,” said Berry.

“The ACT is a leading destination for women’s sport in Australia and I can’t wait to see the game.”

Tickets will be on sale for the general public from Wednesday 16 March at nrl.com/tickets.

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