The first round of Origin is here.
For 2026, State of Origin starts at Accor Stadium in Sydney, before heading to the MCG for Game II and Suncorp Stadium for the decider.
The 2026 State of Origin series is the 45th edition of the men’s interstate best-of-three rivalry, with Queensland entering the campaign holding the historical edge — 25 series wins to New South Wales’ 17, with two series drawn.
For the Maroons, Kalyn Ponga has been selected over Reece Walsh by Billy Slater, while Sam Walker makes his Origin debut in place of the injured Tom Dearden. Max Plath debuts, with Jojo Fifita and Briton Nikora earning their first Maroons selections.
For the Blues, James Tedesco keeps Dylan Edwards out at fullback, while Laurie Daly has opted for Tolutau Koula out of position on the wing ahead of Zac Lomax and Jacob Kiraz. Injury to Mitchell Moses means Ethan Strange will start, while Addin Fonua-Blake finally gets his Origin debut.
The Maroons have won only two of their past 10 Origin games in Sydney, although one of those victories came last year.
Can Queensland pressure Strange enough to cut off quality ball to Nathan Cleary?
New South Wales appears to hold the upper hand through the middle, but Pat Carrigan and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will relish that challenge.
Cleary versus Walker. Strange versus Munster.
Can Harry Grant put the Maroons on the front foot with his creativity around the ruck?
Can Max Plath and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow reproduce their Dolphin’s NRL form on the Origin stage?
This shapes as a classic Origin arm wrestle, with Queensland having won six of the past 10 series.
The game will be broadcast live on 9Now, with kick-off at 8.05pm.
New South Wales Blues
- James Tedesco
- Brian To’o
- Stephen Crichton
- Kotoni Staggs
- Tolutau Koula
- Ethan Strange
- Nathan Cleary
- Addin Fonua-Blake
- Reece Robson
- Mitch Barnett
- Hudson Young
- Haumole Olakau’atu
- Isaah Yeo
Interchange
- Cameron Murray
- Victor Radley
- Jacob Saifiti
- Blayke Brailey
Extended squad
- Casey McLean
- Dylan Lucas
- Matt Burton
Coach
Laurie Daley
Queensland Maroons
- Kalyn Ponga
- Selwyn Cobbo
- Robert Toia
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Jojo Fifita
- Cameron Munster
- Sam Walker
- Tom Flegler
- Harry Grant
- Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
- Reuben Cotter
- Kurt Capewell
- Max Plath
Interchange
- Briton Nikora
- Lindsay Collins
- Patrick Carrigan
- Trent Loiero
Extended squad
- Ezra Mam
- Gehamat Shibasaki
- Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Coach
Billy Slater
Published 26-May-2026
