More NRL games will be played in regional locations as a sweetener for the league’s decision to scrap the annual NSW City-Country Origin clash.

The NRL on Monday confirmed the 88-year-old fixture will be scrapped after the 2017 edition in Mudgee.

“While it is disappointing that we cannot fit this game into the schedule post-2017, we are determined to take more rugby league to regional NSW and other communities throughout the country,” NRL head of football Brian Canavan said on Monday.

“In the draw we will be releasing shortly, there will be a host of games played throughout the country and that is a trend which will continue.”

More than 8000 fans turned out in Tamworth in May this year as City won in an 44-30 upset, with the traditional fixture also selling out grounds in Wagga Wagga and Dubbo in recent years.

But the pre-State of Origin clash was no longer viewed as a genuine trial for NSW spots, even with 2016 Blues debutants Tyson Frizell (Country), Jack Bird (Country) and Josh Mansour (City) running out this year.

“Country NSW has produced some of the finest players to wear the green and gold and we will pay tribute to them during this final match,” Country Rugby League boss Terry Quinn said.

“Players like Mick Cronin, Blocker Roach, Boyd Cordner, Tyson Frizell and so many others learnt their craft in country areas and went on to become greats in our game.”

The 2017 City-Country clash will be played at Glen Willow Regional Sports Stadium on May 7.