The 2026 Ampol State of Origin series kicks off in Blues heartland in Sydney with Laurie Daley's men hell bent on getting off to a winning start in their bid to return the shield to New South Wales.
Reigning champions Queensland start their title defence with four debutants in their ranks in Jojo Fifita, Sam Walker, Max Plath and Briton Nikora, while the Blues are blooding Addin Fonua-Blake, Victor Radley, Ethan Strange, Casey McLean, Blayke Brailey and Tolu Koula in the Game One pressure cooker.
Even though the Blues managed to win the 2024 series after losing Game One at home, they won't want to put themselves in that position again, so a flying start in front of NSW faithful at Accor is imperative.
Follow all the action from Game One of the 2026 Ampol State of Origin series on NRL.com's live blog
NSW Blues v Queensland Maroons
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 1 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Half-time: The visiting Maroons head to the sheds 20-6 after an opening blitz. However, an error took the foot off the neck and the Blues fought back to gain the momentum later in the half.
36th min: A no try to Cam Murray goes up to the Bunker and ends up as a penalty to the Maroons, with Murray deemed to have tackled Kurt Capewell off the ball when both were trying to get to the ball.
27th min: First points for the Blues with Hudson Young. In a flip of the early script, the Maroons made back-to-back errors and penalties to gift Blues position and possession just out from their attacking line and Nathan Cleary puts in a short kick for his second rower to run in and score. Cleary converts and it's 20-6.
Hudson Young Try
24th min: Some joy for the Blues with debutant Ethan Strange causing an error from Cam Munster after putting on a big tackle.
21st min: Another error from the Blues, with Brian To'o losing the ball and then that's compounded by an offside penalty and it's more points to the Maroons. Walker kicks the penalty goal and it's 20-0 to Maroons.
17th min: Maroons in again, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow going over in the left side. Another error from the Blues is punished with another kick behind the line, this time by Cameron Munster, is chased by the Queensland centre. Walker converts and it's 18-0.
14th min: What a return to Origin for Tom Flegler! He is over for Queensland's second - in the right spot at the right time to take an offload at the line from Harry Grant to go charging in under the posts. The Maroons started the play with a great kick return from Ponga who combined with Selwyn Cobbo to tear down the left side. While the Blues scrambled to shut that down, they couldn't hold on when the big prop found some space. Walker converts again and it's 12-0.
Thomas Flegler Try
10th min: A short kick from Sam Walker into the in-goal is pounced on by Rob Toia who touches the ball down to score the opening points of the 2026 State of Origin series. The Blues gave up an error coming out of their own end, with Stephen Crichton losing the ball in the play the ball, giving the Maroons possession. Walker converts and it's an early 6-0 lead to Queensland.
5th min: Some good scrambling defence from the Blues to defend their line after the Maroons were looking ominous with the ball, with Kalyn Ponga making his presence felt early.
Kick off: The Blues fullback James Tedesco launches the ball to kick off the series opener in wet conditions.
Player insights
Maroons:
From the bus: Harry Grant
Blues:
From the tunnel: James Tedesco
In other Origin news from across the game, the Women's State of Origin teams have provided their 24-hour update, with no late changes for their game on the Gold Coast tomorrow night.
Behind the scenes
Plenty to play for tonight for both sides, with Maroons also vowing to lift for former Maroon Jai Arrow who has shared his diagnosis of MND.
A sneak peek into the Blues sheds:
Late Mail
Blues: No further changes on game day for the Blues after Mitch Moses withdrew with a hamstring injury on Tuesday, meaning Ethan Strange debuts at five-eighth and Matt Burton joins the bench in No.21. Moses pulled up with tightness after doing 'extras' after training in Gosford on Monday and scans revealed a minor hamstring strain.
Maroons: Billy Slater's men line up 1-19 as named on the back of a seamless preparation that has them primed to continue their fine record in series openers in Sydney. Skipper Cam Munster was rested for a training session with 'soreness' but was in no doubt to take his place in the side. Dolphins back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki was the last man to drop out of the squad 90 minutes before kick-off.
Numbers Game
- The Blues have lost three of their last four games at Accor Stadium.
- The Maroons have lost Game 1 only once under coach Billy Slater.
- The Blues have lost their last four series-openers in Sydney.
- Maroons fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored 11 tries in 10 Origin appearances.
- Winger Brian To’o requires one try to become the outright leading Origin tryscorer for NSW.
