Brisbane Lions' Dayne Zorko has questioned the AFL's decision to bring back State of Origin before next season and wondered why they decided to have just two states participating.
The AFL announced a return of origin with Western Australia to play Victoria at Optus Stadium in February next year, with Sydney's Dean Cox coaching WA and Geelong's Chris Scott coaching the Vics.
Zorko has questioned why the AFL has brought back the concept just to have two states play against each other, saying the competition is a national code and origin should be too.
“We all don’t get to play either,” Zorko said on SENQ Breakfast. “I mean, could you not do a Queensland vs New South Wales team or an Allies team vs the SA team, like why does it have to be just Victoria vs WA?
MORE: Top AFL draft pick seen training with St Kilda, Tex Wanganeen present
“So, it’s only two states playing it, but we're a national code? I’m a little bit confused why only two states get to play it.
“And then are the best of the best going to play it? And correct, you’re embarking on a season, you’ve just come off the back of a really strong pre-season, and then are you going to put it all on the line for no reward at the end of it?"
“I mean, there’s state pride, but it’s not like it’s a series where you get the opportunity to keep going for it.
Zorko explained that he would like to have the opportunity to play in an Origin series and understands the AFL want to try new things out.
“If I were playing in it, I would be a little more for it, but I don’t know what you’re achieving out of it if you’re having it at the start of the pre-season," he said.
"I guess you’ve got to try these things and see how they all play out and where it all lands.”
Western Australia vs Victoria is scheduled for February 14, 2026, at Optus Stadium in Perth.