Preview: State of Origin 2026

One of Australia’s biggest sporting events begins in earnest on Wednesday.

Overview
The three-game State of Origin series, contested annually between Queensland and New South Wales, is widely thought of as one of the fiercest rivalries in sport, dating back to 1982. The Maroons have 25 titles to the Blues 17 during that 44-year period, with two drawn series. Pitting NRL teammates against each other across six weeks is a fascinating narrative and one that regularly piques the interest of the watching public, with sold out stadiums and TV viewing figures north of 3.5m per match.

What can we expect?
Firstly, there's the intensity and physicality. Regular NRL games are fast-moving affairs, but Origin is next level. It's on a par with some of the best international contests. Queensland are reigning title holders having come from 1-0 down to triumph in 2025. The Maroons are not quite as dominant as they were from 2006-2017 - where they lost just one series - so a more competitive iteration beckons this time around.

Where will the series be won and lost?

• The interpretation of the 'six-again' ruling for ruck infringements - rather than a penalty - has caused lengthy debate and controversy since its implementation was revisited for 2026. It means defences must be squeaky clean around the tackle, organized in their shape and fit enough to combat repeat sets. Whichever team adapts best to the referee's whistle stands the best chance. While the players have become familiar with this ruling through the previous 12 NRL rounds, it's seen as a more pertinent factor in the Origin arena.
• Halfback Nathan Cleary (above) has won everything there is to win in the game from a team perspective; four NRL Premierships, three State of Origins and a World Cup but one accolade eludes him, the Wally Lewis medal awarded to the man of the series during Origin. Having orchestrated Penrith Panthers to the NRL summit, the New South Welshman is at the peak of his powers. Spearheading the Blues to a series win though, would see him achieve immortality. 
• The omission of Blues full-back, Dylan Edwards, as one of the best #1s in the game is notable, but not nearly as impactful as the hamstring injury to five-eighth Mitch Moses just days before Game I. He is replaced by rookie Ethan Strange who will have to strike up an on-pitch rapport in the halves with Cleary for the Blues to prosper.

What do the bookies say?
New South Wales (8/11) are considerable favourites for the series. Cleary (9/2) heads the market to take home the Man of the Series accolade. (Source: Ladbrokes)

State of Origin schedule 2026
Game I - Weds 27 May - Accor Stadium, Sydney
Game II - Weds 17 June - Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Game III - Weds 8 July - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane