The opening clash of the 2026 State of Origin series is set to deliver another fierce rivalry battle as the New South Wales Blues host the Queensland Maroons in Game 1 at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Wednesday, May 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:05 PM AEST, with both teams entering the series opener featuring star-studded lineups, exciting debutants, and major injury storylines.
Fans across Australia are eagerly waiting for the first Origin showdown of the year, and Game 1 already carries huge significance after a late injury blow changed the NSW lineup just days before kickoff.
State of Origin 2026 Game 1 Details
| Match | Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW Blues vs QLD Maroons | May 27, 2026 | 8:05 PM AEST | Accor Stadium, Sydney |
The Sydney crowd is expected to create an electric atmosphere as the Blues attempt to defend home turf against a confident Queensland side.
NSW Blues Team List
The NSW Blues will feature a powerful squad led by Nathan Cleary and captain James Tedesco. However, the team suffered a setback after Mitchell Moses was ruled out due to injury.
NSW Blues Predicted Lineup
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | James Tedesco |
| 2 | Brian To’o |
| 3 | Stephen Crichton |
| 4 | Kotoni Staggs |
| 5 | Tolu Koula |
| 6 | 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 |
Interchange Bench
- Cameron Murray
- Victor Radley
- Jacob Saifiti
- Blayke Brailey
Extended Squad
- Casey McLean
- Matt Burton
Reserve
- Dylan Lucas
QLD Maroons Team List
Queensland enters the series opener with plenty of attacking firepower and experience. Cameron Munster and Kalyn Ponga will lead the Maroons against their long-time rivals.
QLD Maroons Predicted Lineup
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Interchange Bench
- Briton Nikora
- Lindsay Collins
- Patrick Carrigan
- Trent Loiero
Extended Squad
- Ezra Mam
- Gehamat Shibasaki
Reserve
- Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Injury Updates Before Game 1
The biggest pre-match story for NSW has been the injury to Mitchell Moses. The experienced playmaker suffered a hamstring injury during Blues training in Gosford earlier this week.
According to NSW Rugby League officials, scans confirmed Moses sustained a minor hamstring tear, immediately ruling him out of the opening game of the series.
The injury has opened the door for young Canberra Raiders star Ethan Strange, who will now make his State of Origin debut in the halves alongside Nathan Cleary. Strange has impressed throughout the NRL season with his composure, creativity, and strong defensive work.
Queensland, meanwhile, appears relatively stable heading into the opener, with Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui all fit and ready for the highly anticipated contest.
Match Preview and Prediction
Game 1 could become a tactical battle between the structured attack of NSW and the explosive counter-attacking style of Queensland. Nathan Cleary’s kicking game and leadership will be crucial for the Blues, while the Maroons will rely heavily on the creativity of Munster and the speed of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
With Accor Stadium expected to be packed, NSW may hold a slight advantage playing at home. However, Queensland’s history of performing under pressure means the Maroons can never be underestimated in State of Origin football.
Fans can expect intensity, physicality, and one of the biggest rugby league spectacles of the 2026 season.