State of Origin will be played in Newcastle for the first time ever with the NRL confirming the city will host Game III next Wednesday night, after the NSW government announced an extension of Sydney's COVID-19 lockdown.
The final game of the series was to be played at Sydney's Stadium Australia, but a one-week lockdown extension forced the game away from the state capital.
People living in lockdown zones will not be allowed to attend the match.
NRL boss Andrew Abdo said Newcastle's appointment as the game's host city added to the historic nature of this series, with Townsville hosting its first State of Origin last month.
"One of the positives to come from the pandemic has been the opportunity to give passionate rugby league communities like Newcastle and Townsville the chance to host Origin when they otherwise wouldn't," Abdo told NRL.com.
"[Newcastle] fans are among the most passionate fans in our game. They turn out and support the Knights every week."
As many as 20,000 fans will be able to pack into Newcastle Stadium, with a 75 per cent capacity cap on the game.
Fans who live in Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour, will not be allowed to purchase tickets, which will go on sale on Monday.
NSW have already won the series after two comfortable wins in Townsville and Brisbane.
Victory in Newcastle will give them their first 3-0 series victory since 2000.
