Rugby league’s showpiece State of Origin series will return to Australia’s biggest stadium next year, with the MCG to host game two in 2015 and another clash in 2018.

Origin was last played at the 100,000-capacity MCG in 1997, with the most recent match in Melbourne taking place at a sold-out Etihad Stadium in 2012.

“I think anyone who saw last week’s Origin game in Brisbane will realise that Melbourne has secured the best sporting event in Australia,” said NRL chief executive Dave Smith.

“There is nothing which can match the passion, desperation, skill and excitement of Origin at its best.”

Smith also announced on Monday that the Four Nations clash between Australia and England on November 2 would be at AAMI Park in Melbourne.