State of Origin returns on Wednesday night with a new-look rivalry set to unfold at Accor Stadium, where New South Wales and Queensland launch the 2026 series. With both sides unveiling several debutants and key stars missing, the opener shapes as one of the more unpredictable clashes in recent memory. The Blues enter as favourites after winning last year’s series opener, while the Maroons will be eager to respond after suffering defeat in Sydney the last time the venue hosted a decider.
When: Wednesday May 27, 2026 at 8:05 pm
Where: Accor Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
New South Wales Blues vs Queensland Maroons Odds
New South Wales Blues vs Queensland Maroons Preview
The 2026 State of Origin series gets underway at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night, with New South Wales out to continue its recent dominance after winning last year’s opener and entering the series as warm favourite. Ironically, home-ground advantage has meant little in recent campaigns, with neither side managing to win at its designated home venue since the Blues’ victory in Origin III, 2023.
There will be a fresh look to both line-ups following recent eligibility changes. Laurie Daley has named six potential debutants for New South Wales, including Tolutau Koula, Addin Fonua-Blake and Ethan Strange, who was promoted into the starting side after Mitch Moses suffered a hamstring injury. Queensland coach Billy Slater has also turned to new faces, with Jojo Fifita, Sam Walker and Max Plath all set to start, while Briton Nikora looms as an impact option off the bench. Reece Walsh headlines the Maroons’ omissions as Queensland looks to rebound from last year’s 18-6 opening-game defeat.
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping New South Wales Blues to win at $1.68 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Brian To'o at $10.
New South Wales Blues vs Queensland Maroons Teams
QLD team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Robert Toia 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Cameron Munster (c) 7. Sam Walker 8. Tom 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 Loeiro 18. Ezra Mam 19. Gehamat Shibasaki 20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
NSW team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Brian To’o 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Kotoni Staggs 5. Tolutau Koula 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Reece Robson 10. Mitch Barnett 11. Hudson Young 12. Haumole Olakau’atu 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Cameron Murray 15. Victor Radley 16. Jacob Saifiti 17. Blayke Brailey 18. Ethan Strange 19. Casey McLean 20. Dylan Lucas