The 2026 State of Origin series begins tonight at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, where the NSW Blues and Queensland Maroons will compete in the opener. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8.05pm AEST. Forecast rain could present challenging conditions.
Mitchell’s Injury Cloud Hangs Over Blues
Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell’s back injury may keep him out of action for a month. He will likely miss Origin II, according to reports. Mitchell is reportedly still struggling with the injury. He is likely to miss South Sydney’s match against Manly in Round 14. Origin sides will be picked after Round 14, and Mitchell will be unable to prove his fitness to selectors in a match setting before Game II squads are announced.
Blues Respond to Selection Rumours
The NSW Blues have responded to rumours that Laurie Daley could make a late change to his side.
Teams Finalised for Game I
Both states’ teams will be finalised an hour before kick-off.
- New South Wales Blues: 1. James Tedesco 2. Brian To’o 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Kotoni Staggs 5. Tolutau Koula 18. Ethan Strange 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Reece Robson 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Hudson Young 12. Haumole Olakau’atu 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Cameron Murray 15. Victor Radley 16. Jacob Saifiti 17. Blayke Brailey 19. Casey McLean 21. Matt Burton 20. Dylan Lucas
- Queensland Maroons: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Robert Toia 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Cameron Munster 7. Sam Walker 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Max Plath 14. Briton Nikora 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Patrick Carrigan 17. Trent Loiero 18. Ezra Mam 19. Gehamat Shibasaki 20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
The Blues are rated $1.65 favourites, while the Maroons are at $2.25.
Billy Slater’s Queensland Maroons are aiming to land the first blow in this year’s series.