Key Details for the 2026 State of Origin Series
The 2026 State of Origin series is set to begin in Sydney with Game 1 scheduled to take place at Homebush on Wednesday, May 27. As has become customary, both teams will be announced nearly a week and a half before the game. Following the announcement, the squads will enter camp to prepare under the guidance of their respective coaching staffs.
This year’s timing for Game 1 has led to a notable adjustment in how the New South Wales Blues announce their team. Normally, the team announcement occurs during their usual Sunday night slot. However, this year’s schedule requires a shift due to the Magic Round event being held in Brisbane, which includes three games on Sunday. The final match of the Magic Round features the Penrith Panthers, who could have several Blues players, against the St George Illawarra Dragons. This game is not expected to conclude until around 8:30pm (AEST), prompting the NSWRL to confirm that the team announcement will be pushed back to 8am (AEST) on Monday, May 18.
Queensland, on the other hand, is expected to maintain their usual schedule, announcing their squad at 9am (AEST) on Monday, May 18. This means both teams will be named within an hour of each other, ensuring a streamlined process for fans and media alike.
Team Announcement Times
- New South Wales Blues: Monday, May 18, 8am (AEST)
- Queensland Maroons: Monday, May 18, 9am (AEST)
The exact number of players in each squad for the 2026 games remains to be confirmed, as the increase in bench sizes to six may affect the total number of players named. Last year, teams named 20 players in their original squad, but it is anticipated that this number may rise to 22 this year.
Player Injuries and Squad Adjustments
For the New South Wales Blues, injuries to Payne Haas and Liam Martin are expected to lead to key changes in the forward pack. Laurie Daley may consider alternative selections, especially given the team’s loss in last year’s series. For Queensland, Xavier Coates will miss the series opener due to injury, which places significant pressure on Billy Slater to make crucial decisions regarding the squad.
Conclusion
With the 2026 State of Origin series just around the corner, fans can look forward to an exciting competition filled with high-stakes matches and strategic team selections. The adjustments in team announcement times reflect the evolving nature of the event, ensuring that all teams have ample time to prepare for the challenges ahead. As the countdown begins, anticipation is building for what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the history of State of Origin rugby league.
