Rugby league’s fiercest rivalry reignites tonight as New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons clash in Game I of the 2026 men’s State of Origin series in Sydney.
With pride, passion and state supremacy on the line, the opening battle at Stadium Australia is expected to deliver another brutal chapter in one of sport’s greatest rivalries.
Queensland enter the series as defending champions after their memorable 2025 triumph, where the Maroons stunned the Blues with a 24-12 victory in the decider on New South Wales soil to reclaim the shield.
The Maroons have also dominated recent encounters in enemy territory, including a crushing 38-10 victory in Game I of the 2024 series at the same venue.
Now, New South Wales will be desperate to respond in front of a packed home crowd and begin their campaign with a statement victory, while Queensland will look to continue their remarkable record away from home.
Meanwhile, New South Wales Blues have been dealt a major blow ahead of Game I, with Mitchell Moses ruled out on the eve of the clash due to a hamstring injury.
Ethan Strange has been promoted from the bench to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves, while Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs utility Matt Burton has been called into the squad and added to the interchange bench.
Game I kicks off at 10.05pm FJT in Sydney tonight.
Source: ABC News
