Persistent rain caused officials to postpone Wednesday night's State of Origin curtain-raiser at ANZ Stadium to protect the playing surface for the big game.

The NSW under 16s had been scheduled to play their Queensland counterparts just before the Blues and Maroons clash in the opening match of the Origin series.

But Australian Rugby League chief executive Geoff Carr said the decision was taken with continuing wet weather forecast to postpone that game and make it an extra Origin game 3 curtain-raiser at the same venue.

"ANZ Stadium have worked with us to ensure the kids will still have the chance to play on an Origin night by allowing us to play three games on July 7," said Carr.

"We understand that parents and family will have come down from Queensland for this game but we simply can't control the weather.

"We will look at compensating those immediate family members who have travelled solely to watch the Under 16s game."

Fans were reminded that the despite the postponement of the match that it was still important to arrive at ANZ Stadium early on Wednesday evening to avoid traffic congestion.

The ANZ Stadium Gates open at 5.45pm ahead of the match kick-off at 8.10pm.

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