Today host Karl Stefanovic to host Nine’s State of Origin coverage

Karl Stefanovic has made no secret of his love for rugby league.

And on Thursday, the Today show presenter revealed he’d landed his dream job co-hosting Channel Nine’s State of Origin coverage in Adelaide.

Discussing his new gig on air, the 46-year-old footy fanatic explained that he was ‘so excited’ to get started. 

‘Ever since I was two years of age, watching Queensland win 20 years in a row, State of Origin has been a part of the fabric of our being when we grew up in Queensland,’ he said.

‘I am so excited. I have been asked to fly to Adelaide and co-host the coverage with [sports presenter] James Bracey next week.’ 

While Karl is an avid Queensland supporter, he insisted that his coverage of the event won’t be ‘biased’.

‘I am not going to be at all biased, but I will bring a whole bunch of Queensland to the coverage,’ he said with a laugh.  

‘It will be the best thing I have ever done in my whole life. I got quite emotional last night when they asked me.’ 

For the first time ever, the State of Origin is being held in Adelaide due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.     

The Nine Network’s team will be flying to the state in ‘COVID bubbles’, Karl said.

While it will be a ‘huge logistical exercise’ getting everyone there, he hopes that the State of Origin will bring people ‘a lot of joy’ during the health crisis. 

‘I think given this year and Covid and everything that everyone has been through, this Origin series going to bring a lot of joy to a lot of people and for me to part of it, I am privileged,’ he said.