Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) has confirmed that the 2020 State of Origin series will kick-off in Adelaide, as planned.

Adelaide Oval will host the opening State of Origin match on November 4.

According to a release from the South Australian Tourism Commission, their Events South Australia team, the Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority, and South Australia Health, is collaborating to ensure the milestone event can go ahead and be COVID safe.

This is the first time that Adelaide Oval will be hosting the opening match of the State of Origin series.

NRL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Abdo said the game, led by the Commission, and its government partners had worked tirelessly with health officials to ensure Origin is showcased across three different states this year.

"State of Origin is the greatest rivalry in Australian sport and Australia's most watched television event. It transcends the two states and captivates the interests of the entire nation. We are excited to play this historic game in South Australia for the very first time," he said.

Abdo said the 2020 Origin Series would celebrate four decades of the biggest rivalry in Australian sport.

"This year will be special, it marks the 40th Anniversary of Origin. The concept has come so far since Arthur Beetson famously led Queensland onto Lang Park in 1980 with his hands covered in chalk," he said.

NRL is now working out the crowd capacity at each venue and other related requirements to ensure the tournament takes place smoothly without jeopardising the security and health of everyone involved, including officials, players, and spectators.

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said the match was a great opportunity to showcase NRL in SA, and a strong endorsement of Adelaide Oval's outstanding COVID- 19 management plans.

"It's been a substantial amount of work by the NRL, SATC, SA Health and Adelaide Oval to develop a plan to make this happen for the fans. It is a terrific outcome and we can't wait to welcome the first game of the State of Origin to Adelaide, and to help celebrate their 40th anniversary of Origin matches," he said.

(Main Image: South Australian Tourism Commission Facebook)