The 2026 men’s State of Origin series begins tonight, with the NSW Blues hosting the Queensland Maroons in Sydney. Both teams enter Game 1 with reshuffled lineups and a host of debutants.
Here’s what to know before kick-off at 8:05pm.
Queensland
The Maroons are chasing back-to-back series titles after defeating the Blues 24-12 in last year’s Sydney decider.
Captain Cameron Munster retains the No. 6 jumper, while Sydney Roosters playmaker Sam Walker will debut at halfback in place of the injured Tom Dearden, last year’s Wally Lewis Medallist.
Coach Billy Slater has selected Newcastle Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga ahead of incumbent Reece Walsh, while six debutants feature in Queensland’s squad. Dolphins prop Thomas Flegler also returns to the Maroons after three years out.
Slater is entering his fifth series as Maroons coach, having won three of his first four series in charge.
New South Wales
NSW coach Laurie Daley has recalled Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco at fullback, selecting him ahead of four-time premiership winner Dylan Edwards.
Tonight will be Tedesco’s first Origin match since Game 1, 2024, and his 24th appearance for the Blues – drawing level with Paul Gallen for third on NSW’s all-time list behind Brad Fittler (31) and Andrew Ettingshausen (27).
Canberra Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange will make his Origin debut after Parramatta captain Mitchell Moses was ruled out on Tuesday with a hamstring strain. Bulldogs utility Matt Burton has been added to the NSW bench.
Daley, now in his second stint as NSW coach, has won one of six series to date — the Blues’ 2014 triumph that ended Queensland’s eight-year dynasty.
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Eligibility shake-up
In February, the Australian Rugby League Commission opened Origin eligibility to players who have previously represented New Zealand or England internationally.
Four players in tonight’s match qualify under the rule change: NSW trio Addin Fonua-Blake, Victor Radley and Casey McLean, alongside Queensland second-rower Briton Nikora.
The venue
Stadium Australia has hosted 33 Origin matches since opening in 1999.
NSW have won 20 matches at the venue, Queensland 12, with one draw. The Maroons have won the past two Origin matches there – last year’s 24-12 series decider and Game 1 in 2024 (38-10).
The Blues’ most recent win at the stadium came in Game 3, 2023 (24-10).
The remaining two matches of the series will be played at the MCG on 17 June and Brisbane’s Lang Park on 8 July.
How to watch
Tonight’s match kicks off at 8:05pm.
State of Origin will air on Channel 9. The match will also be broadcast in more than 100 countries internationally.
