England veteran James Graham says officials would be "small-minded" to kill off the Denver Test after just one season - but despite a three year commitment, there remains grave uncertainty over the future of the fixture.
The NRL, clubs and the Rugby League Players Association did not enforce player releases for the clash between England and New Zealand at Mile High Stadium.
They have publicly indicated they'll be even more obstructionist in 2019, completely refusing to let players take part.
Asked if he expected to be back in Colorado 12 months from now, 40-Test Graham answered: "I certainly hope so - I'd like to be a part of it next year - I'd like England to be a part of it next year whether I'm picked or not.
"If you look back at the history of State of Origin, so I've been told, it goes that this was never going to take off. The NSW v Queensland thing, they rubbished it. The clubs didn't want a part of it.
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"So I guess we're probably in a similar situation here ... you've got to dream big and you've got to have foresight and hopefully this could be something huge.
"This is the first of its kind but who's to say that in 20 or 30 years, this isn't going to be one of those things that is spoken about in the same ilk (as Origin)?
"If you're just aiming for it to be a one year thing with 15,000 here and not seeing any potential growth, I think it's small minded, to honest."
In February, the NZRL announced this fixture would continue for two more years as promoter Jason Moore builds up to hosting the 2025 World Cup in the United States.
But AAP understands Mile High Stadium has not yet been booked for 2019 or 2020.
Graham has defended the RLPA against accusations it did not sufficiently support the match.
Union rep Clint Newton - a former US international - is expected to be in Denver for the clash, as is South Sydney owner Russell Crowe.
"I think if you read what (the union has) said carefully ... it's the RLPA's job to look after us as players regarding insurance and all those little things like that," Graham said.
"That's what the RLPA's position on it was - just making sure the players are looked after and as much welfare as possible is taken care of."
