State of Origin 2026: A New Chapter in the Rivalry
The most intense rivalry in Australian rugby league is set to ignite once again as New South Wales and Queensland face off in the opening match of the 2026 men’s State of Origin series. This highly anticipated game marks the beginning of a three-game series that has captivated fans for decades. Queensland, the reigning champions, will be looking to defend their title, but they will have to do so on unfamiliar turf.
Where to Watch the Action
For those eager to catch all the action, the Nine Network holds the broadcast rights to the entire State of Origin series. Game I will be televised on Channel Nine and available online via 9Now. Additionally, fans can follow the game through the ABC Sport live blog, which provides real-time updates and insights.
If you prefer to listen to the excitement, the ABC Sport live call will feature commentator Andrew Moore, with expert analysis from Luke Lewis, Matthew Elliot, and John Gibbs. Whether you’re watching or listening, there are multiple ways to stay connected with the game.
Kick-Off Times Across Australia
The timing of the game varies depending on your location:
- 8:05pm – NSW, Queensland, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea
- 7:35pm – South Australia, Northern Territory
- 6:05pm – Western Australia
- 10:05pm – New Zealand, Fiji
- 11:05pm – Samoa, Tonga
- 12:05am – Cook Islands
Venue for Game I
Game I of the series will take place at Stadium Australia in Sydney. This venue has become a significant battleground for the Maroons, who have enjoyed recent success on enemy territory. In the past two State of Origin matches held at Stadium Australia, Queensland secured victories with a 38-10 win in Game I of 2024 and a memorable 24-12 win in the 2025 decider to claim the shield.
The Teams
NSW has made a last-minute change ahead of Game I, with Mitchell Moses ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Ethan Strange has been promoted from the bench to start in the halves alongside Nathan Cleary. Canterbury’s Matt Burton has also been added to the bench, providing additional depth to the team.
Schedule of Upcoming Matches
The State of Origin series will continue with the following games:
- Game II: Wednesday, June 17, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Victoria
- Game III: Wednesday, July 8, Lang Park, Brisbane, Queensland
Women’s State of Origin
In addition to the men’s series, the Women’s State of Origin is also in progress. NSW has already secured the shield after two thrilling wins:
- Game I: New South Wales 11-6 Queensland
- Game II: New South Wales 14-10 Queensland
The final match of the series will be played at Robina Stadium on Queensland’s Gold Coast tomorrow night, starting at 7:45pm AEST. This game promises to be another exciting chapter in the ongoing competition between the two states.
