Countdown Begins at Origin Central (NSW)

Sydney's busiest train station has been transformed into 'Origin Central' as the countdown to this year's State of Origin series begins.

Central Station will be covered in a sea of blue for four weeks as NSW gets behind the Blues for this year's series.

"This is an exciting time of year for rugby league fans and Origin Central shows NSW is right behind the Blues for this year's series,"
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said.

"Central is where tens of thousands of Blues' fans will begin their journey to ANZ Stadium next month so there is no better place to put our support for the Blues on display.

"The NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, has secured two games for Sydney for the first time since 2010 - this is great news for Blues' fans and a significant boost to the NSW economy.

"We're expecting thousands of visitors from interstate and other parts of NSW to come to Sydney for the two Origin games at ANZ Stadium, all spending money in Sydney hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops.

"Sydney Airport and Sydney Olympic Park will also be adorned with Origin flags and banners in the countdown to game one - not only are we showing support for Laurie Daley and his team but we are sending a message to visiting Queenslanders they are in enemy territory."

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said, "I welcome all NSW supporters who are in attendance today and encourage fans to get down to Central Station over the next four weeks to be a part of the 2013 NSW Blues State of Origin campaign.

"Just like Central Station, we want ANZ Stadium to be a sea of blue for game one - tickets are selling strongly, so my advice is to get in now."

Tickets to both State of Origin clashes at ANZ Stadium can be purchased through Ticketek: http://www.ticketek.com.au/origin/