By Paul Hayes

SYDNEY, NSW: Following the enthusiasm for its maiden 3D broadcast, Channel Nine has announced that it will partner with Harvey Norman and Event Cinemas to bring the next two 3D State of Origin games to the big screen.

The first of the 3D cinema screenings, which will take place on giant Vmax screens, will be game two on Wednesday 16 June, followed by game three on Wednesday 7 July.

Channel Nine chief, David Gyngell, said that the cinema screenings will help to open up 3D viewing to audiences beyond the technology’s early adopters.

“3D State of Origin is such an exciting experience, but in the early days of the technology it's obviously limited to relatively few viewers; so Event Cinemas’ screening of games two and three is terrific because it gives more people a firsthand opportunity to see just how dramatically 3D viewing can lift the Origin spectacle.

“There’s no question 3D is set to revolutionise the way we cover rugby league,” he says.

Sydney’s 3D Origin screenings will be held at the George Street and Campbelltown Event Cinemas complexes, while Queensland fans can see them at Chermside and Indooroopilly.

Melbourne viewers have also been included, with screenings to be held through Event Cinemas partner, Village Cinemas, at its Crown Casino and Jam Factory locations.