A State of Origin match in Townsville would only deliver seats for half the number of fans as a Brisbane game.

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls announced a Liberal National Party government would launch a formal bid to get a State of Origin game played at the north Queensland stadium in 2020 or 2021.

The push is on for the Maroons to play home matches in Townsville. Credit:AAP

"Within the first 100 days, [we] will instruct Tourism and Events Queensland to enter into negotiations to move heaven and earth to get a State of Origin here at the new north Queensland football stadium in Townsville," he said, speaking from Townsville on Wednesday.

The Townsville stadium, due for completion by the start of the 2020 NRL season, will have a capacity of 25,000.