The ARL Commission has confirmed Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium will host Origin III due to the extended lockdown in Sydney.

The NSW Government has approved a crowd of 75 percent capacity, 20,000 fans in total, at the Knights’ home ground.

Rugby league fans from the areas under stay-at-home orders won’t be allowed to attend the match.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes told Jim Wilson “there’s a real buzz” in the city following the announcement.

“We love our rugby league in Newcastle.

“It’s very going to be fantastic … for locals, but it’s also very good exposure for the city.”

Press PLAY below to hear the Mayor’s ecstatic response

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