State of Origin Game II kicks off on Wednesday, June 18, and it could be a night of major celebration for the NSW Blues, who need just one more win to claim the series title.
The annual best-of-three rugby league series promises a night of pints, cheers and pub feeds, and we’ve made a list of the best places to watch the game. Game II takes place on a neutral ground at Perth Stadium in Western Australia, which means lots of fans will be relying on Sydney’s best venues to provide an Origin-worthy atmosphere to watch the big game.
Plenty of bars and pubs will be serving up exclusive food and drink deals, as well as exciting giveaways, from game tickets to cash.
Solotel venues (including the Sheaf and the Albion Hotel) will be pouring discounted Tooheys jugs, dishing out free merch and creating an electric game-day atmosphere. Meanwhile, other top spots are setting up big screens to deliver a truly cinematic experience for State of Origin fans.
Here are our top pub picks for your ultimate Origin night.
1. The Village Inn, Paddington
Watching State of Origin at the Village Inn is a must for anyone who has a good sports wardrobe, as they’ll be giving away a $50 bar tab to the person who dons the best jersey. It’s also Burger and Beer Night ($25 for both), so pop down to this cosy Paddo pub and enjoy pints at schooner prices as you watch the big game.
Where: 9-11 Glenmore Rd, Paddington NSW 2021.
2. The Golden Sheaf, Double Bay
The Sheaf will be busy with Blues fans taking advantage of the venue’s large space. They’ll show all the action live and loud from the sports bar through to their beer garden, offering $18 jugs of Tooheyโs and free merch on the side. You can book a table here to secure your spot, or you can rock up on the day and try your luck.
Where: 429 New South Head Rd, Double Bay NSW 2026.
3. The Albion Hotel, Parramatta
Albies is Parramatta’s favourite watering hole, so it’s no surprise that a table at the bar will be highly in demand on Wednesday night. They’ll be giving away free merch with every jug purchase (a deal that every Solotel venue will be throwing your way), so book a table and don’t miss out this Wednesday.
Where: 135 George St, Parramatta NSW 2150.
4. Coogee Bay Hotel, Coogee
Of course, the CBH is on this list. Boasting the biggest outdoor screens in the Eastern Suburbs, Coogee Bay Hotel will be showing Origin in the garden and their sports bar. They’re also offering insane giveaways throughout the evening, including two tickets to the final game, $50,000 cash and branded merch. There will also be pints for schooner prices with VB.
Where: 253 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee NSW 2034.
5. Felons, Manly
Manly Wharf hotspot Felons is screening all three Origin games inside their venue, as well as outdoors on the Rivergarden and Fish ‘n’ Chipper Lawns. They’re also doing some exciting meal and beer deals to start your evening right, including the combination of chicken and rice, a cheeseburger, chicken salad, a veggie burger or a veggie curry with a drink for just $29.
Where: East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095.
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6. The Erko, Erskineville
The Erko will be showing the second round of the State of Origin on Wednesday. This family-friendly venue is perfect for dinner and drinks, so order a fried chicken burger or some pork ribs before you grab your pints and focus your attention on the big game.
Where: 102 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043.
7. The Clock, Surry Hills
This Surry Hills favourite will be showing the big game on multiple screens throughout their venue, though they recommend booking ahead to get the best seats in the house. Extra screens are being added to the Balcony Bar and $15 Tooheys jugs will be available with free merch to those who have reserved a table, so best to plan ahead with this one!
Where: 470 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
8. The Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks
The Glenmore Hotel is known for its perfectly-poured pints of Guinness, and this State of Origin, they’ll be showing the game paired with $12 pints of Balter. Even better โ if you purchase a pint of Balter during the game, youโll be entered into the draw to win two tickets to Game three.
Where: 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
9. Vic on the Park, Marrickville
This funky Merivale venue (which has its own outside basketball court and bleachers) will be serving $8.50 pints of Tooheys New on Wednesday evening, and have promised a roaring crowd and cold beer on tap. Sit by the heaters outside and play some basketball during half-time โ what more could you want?
Where: 2 Addison Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.
10. Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
Beach Road Hotel say “No bookings, no fuss. Just good footy, cold beers, and the best seat in the house.” Their $20 half rack of BBQ pork ribsย is the perfect game night feed.
Where: 71 Beach Rd, Bondi Beach NSW 2026.
11. The Marlborough Hotel, Newtown
The Inner-West’s buzziest bar is showing the big game tomorrow, also offering free merch with every Tooheys jug purchase. Make your way down to King Street to soak in the atmosphere and cheer on the Blues.
Where: 145 King St, Newtown, NSW, Australia 2042.
12. Forrester’s, Surry Hills
Another Surry Hills gem that is screening all three State of Origin games is Forrester’s (who are also known for their extra special roast, featuring a ‘Big Yorkie’). With multiple TVs, bar snacks and plenty of pints on tap, it’s a great place to settle down and lock in to the game.
Where: 336 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
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13. Northies Cronulla Hotel, Cronulla
If you’re based in the Shire or fancy a trip down there, make sure you head to Northies and take advantage of their game night special:ย $35 for a Mates Plate and two schooners. You can also enter to win a pocket bike โ simply buy any drink or meal in the sports bar from 5pm and you’ll be entered in the draw!
Where: Kingsway &, 141-143 Elouera Rd, Cronulla NSW 2230.
14. Crows Nest Hotel, Crows Nest
The Crowie will be showing Game II on their big screens, with $10 pints of Super Dry and $18 souvlaki to keep you fed and watered. Check out their new renovations, and if your team wins, kick on until 4am (which is when the bar closes on Wednesdays).
Where: 1 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065.
15. The Locker Room, Sydney Olympic Park
The Locker Room will be broadcasting the game on their big outdoor screens, so head down to the Sydney Olympic Park and enjoy big feeds, drink specials, and an unbeatable atmosphere.
Where: 15 Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127.
State of Origin: Game II
Where: The game takes place at Optus Stadium in Perth, however, all these venues will be screening it.
When: Wednesday, June 18, kick-off commences at 8:05pm AEST.
Price: All venues included have free entry.