State of Origin 2026 – Game 1

Accor Stadium, Sydney, NSW
May 27, 2026

The State of Origin returns in 2026 with the series opener taking place in Blues territory at Accor Stadium, Sydney. The 2026 Ampol State of Origin Series will officially kick off on Wednesday, 27 May, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated rugby league clashes of the year.

As the first chapter of the three-game series, Game 1 carries enormous weight. The atmosphere at Accor Stadium is expected to be electric as the NSW Blues and Queensland Maroons meet once again in a rivalry defined by intensity, athleticism and decades of sporting tradition. The match brings together the top NRL talent in Australia, delivering a spectacle known for its physicality, tactical execution and passionate supporter culture.

The 2026 opener promises a high-stakes start to the series, reinforcing State of Origin as one of the most influential and widely watched sporting events in the country.