It looks certain that the AFL State of Origin is going to return, but Victoria won't be hosting the game, according to reports.
The AFL and Western Australian government have been deep in talks to hold the State of Origin event, according to Seven reporter Mitch Cleary.
Western Australia vs Victoria are the two teams to play, the first state v state game since Victoria vs South Australia in 1999 and Western Australia's first since 1998.
With over 61,000 seats, fans are set to fill Optus Stadium in Perth, which would host the Vic vs WA game on the current proposed date of Saturday, February 14, 2026.
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Talks between the AFL and the WA Government were confirmed by WA deputy premier Rita Saffioti last month, who explained that it would be an exciting event.
"I know many of the players are actually excited, particularly those based over east, are very keen to play for their state, so I think there’s a huge push from the players," Saffioti said in a press conference.
"Everyone is very excited about having a WA State of Origin game in the AFL. There’s some good discussions happening at the moment."
Western Australia hosted the Indigenous All Stars vs Fremantle in February of this year, which saw 37,865 watch the All Stars win by 43 points.
Optus Stadium also hosted the NRL State of Origin this year, which saw Queensland win by two points in front of a crowd of 57,023 fans.
A formal announcement is expected later in the year for Optus Stadium to host the Western Australia vs Victoria game.
Potential teams for both Victoria and Western Australia can be seen here.