'What's going on': State of Origin rocked by 'ugly' scenes before kick-off
The third State of Origin match took place at C-Bus stadium in a historic moment for the Gold Coast, but 'ugly' scenes outside prompted many viewers to question why there were so many empty seats at kick-off.
The Blues were looking to pull off their first series sweep in 21 years on Wednesday night, with Covid-19 offering them the rare opportunity to win all three games on Queensland soil.
'DIDN'T THINK': Dragons star's damning revelation about Covid breach
ANALYSIS: Rugby league fans don't buy the tears of 'sorry' stars
The match was moved from NSW to the Gold Coast on short notice due to the state's Covid-19 restrictions causing chaos.
However, with fans flocking to take part in an Origin spectacle on the Gold Coast, enormous queues formed.
Supporters were left waiting to file into C-Bus stadium only minutes before the match.
The scenes, which were described as 'ugly' due to the lack of social-distancing, were filmed as kick-off was taking place.
If you're wondering why the crowd at #stateoforigin is so empty... it's because thousands are stuck in queues outside. Ugly. pic.twitter.com/lBWo5MIWYv
— Brendan Hockings (@bhockings) July 14, 2021
Origin is kicking off and half the crowd is still outside. #origin #nrl pic.twitter.com/blYbsMUYGQ
— Tim Arvier (@TimArvier9) July 14, 2021
Still plenty to get in #Origin pic.twitter.com/TQiTtjH8NQ
— Tim Arvier (@TimArvier9) July 14, 2021
Whats going on? Covid concerns?
— Thomas Morgan (@thomasmorgan22) July 14, 2021
Scanners not working properly on mobile tickets to allow entry to CBUS - thousands still outside!! Taking about 20 seconds for each ticket to work I reckon!!#StateOfOrigin
— davesterific (@davesterific1) July 14, 2021
Some claimed the scanners were not working properly for mobile tickets, which caused a bottle neck.
Fans also took to social media to blast all the empty seats before kick-off.
That's a dismal crowd#stateoforigin
— Shane BOTCHED ROLLOUT b (@ShaneB19) July 14, 2021
NRL cash grab has missed its mark. Plenty of spare seats in a stadium with less than 30k for Origin. Real fans priced out. Despite all the circumstances, this is a humbling night for rugby league. The golden goose has its limits. #origin
— QUENTIN HULL (@QuentinHull) July 14, 2021
Fortunately, fans were able to file into the stadium and pack it out only minutes after kick-off.
Blues fall short of 21-year State of Origin history
Despite the chaos outside the stadium, the two teams put on a thrilling match with the Maroons winning a fiery 20-18 battle against NSW, despite the Blues winning the series 2-1.
The match came down to the final minutes as NSW received a penalty just beyond the halfway line in the 77th minute with the score in the Maroons favour at 20-18.
Mitchell kicked for goal to level the score, but the attempt fell agonisingly short and the Maroons claimed the final match of the series.
with AAP
Watch 'Mind Games', the new series from Yahoo Sport Australia exploring the often brutal mental toil elite athletes go through in pursuit of greatness:
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
