Origin Opener Set For Sydney Showdown As New-Look Maroons Eye Early Blow

The first round of Origin is here.

For 2026, State of Origin starts at Accor Stadium in Sydney, before heading to the MCG for Game II and Suncorp Stadium for the decider.

The 2026 State of Origin series is the 45th edition of the men’s interstate best-of-three rivalry, with Queensland entering the campaign holding the historical edge — 25 series wins to New South Wales’ 17, with two series drawn.

For the Maroons, Kalyn Ponga has been selected over Reece Walsh by Billy Slater, while Sam Walker makes his Origin debut in place of the injured Tom Dearden. Max Plath debuts, with Jojo Fifita and Briton Nikora earning their first Maroons selections.

The Phins provide 5 of the 18-man Maroons squad to take on the Blues in Sydney.

• Selwyn Cobbo (Wing)
• Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Centre)
• Thomas Flegler (Prop)
• Max Plath (Lock)
• Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Reserve)

For the Blues, James Tedesco keeps Dylan Edwards out at fullback, while Laurie Daly has opted for Tolutau Koula out of position on the wing ahead of Zac Lomax and Jacob Kiraz. Injury to Mitchell Moses means Ethan Strange will start, while Addin Fonua-Blake finally gets his Origin debut.

The Maroons have won only two of their past 10 Origin games in Sydney, although one of those victories came last year.

Can Queensland pressure Strange enough to cut off quality ball to Nathan Cleary?

New South Wales appears to hold the upper hand through the middle, but Pat Carrigan and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will relish that challenge.

Cleary versus Walker. Strange versus Munster.

Can Harry Grant put the Maroons on the front foot with his creativity around the ruck?

Can the two Dolphins representatives — Max Plath and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow — reproduce their NRL form on the Origin stage?

This shapes as a classic Origin arm wrestle, with Queensland having won six of the past 10 series.

The game will be broadcast live on 9Now, with kick-off at 8.05pm.

New South Wales Blues
James Tedesco
Brian To’o
Stephen Crichton
Kotoni Staggs
Tolutau Koula
Nathan Cleary
Ethan Strange
Addin Fonua-Blake
Reece Robson
Mitchell Barnett
Hudson Young
Haumole Olakau’atu
Isaah Yeo

Interchange:
Cameron Murray
Victor Radley
Jacob Saifiti
Blayke Brailey

Queensland Maroons
Kalyn Ponga
Selwyn Cobbo
Robert Toia
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Jojo Fifita
Cameron Munster
Sam Walker
Tom Flegler
Harry Grant
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Reuben Cotter
Kurt Capewell
Pat Carrigan

Interchange:
Max Plath
Briton Nikora
Lindsay Collins
Trent Loiero

18th player: Ezra Mam

Published 26-May-2026