But with league's popularity growing and Queensland, looking to re-assert its dominance outside of Origin games, Ms Palaszczuk believes its time Queensland received its shot.

For the NRL, it makes better economic sense – if Sydney teams, which make up nine of the league's 16 teams, are in the final, with ANZ Stadium able to seat 83,500.

But Mr Baird believes Sydney should be allowed to hold on to the finals for another 20 years, along with guaranteed State of Origin games.

"I've heard reports today that Mike Baird, the Premier of NSW wants to have all of the grand final of the NRL held in Sydney," she said from Townsville, where locals are hoping for a new stadium of their own.

"Well let me make it very clear to Mike Baird – the N in NRL stands for national, not Sydney, Mike.

"So we want to make sure that Queensland gets our fair share – and think about it there could almost be the situation this year, where we have the Cowboys and the Broncos in the grand final, so watch this space Mike Baird and we are coming down there to take the NRL off you."

And in true Origin fashion, Lawrence Springborg has put his rivalry with Ms Palaszczuk aside for the betterment of the state.

"There is no doubt that Queensland has one of the best, if not the best stadium, if all of the world, in regards to, and I'll use the term Lang Park, because that is how Queenslanders affectionately know it," Mr Springborg said.