Here’s the latest on the 2026 State of Origin series based on recent official schedules and coverage.
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Key dates and venues
- Game 1 (Men’s): Accor Stadium, Sydney – May 27, 2026. The Blues host the opening clash to kick off the series [web source referencing official schedule].[3][6]
- Game 2 (Men’s): Melbourne Cricket Ground – June 17, 2026. The series shifts to Melbourne for the middle game.[7][3]
- Game 3 (Men’s): Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane – July 8, 2026. The potential decider is slated for Maroon territory.[6][7]
- Women’s State of Origin games are also included in the 2026 schedule, with the first women’s clash on the Gold Coast and further fixtures around the series window.[5][7]
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Format and context
- The series remains a best-of-three format between New South Wales and Queensland, with Men’s and Women’s fixtures running on separate but overlapping timelines to maximize spectacle.[5][6]
- The schedule announcements emphasized marquee venues (MCG, Accor Stadium, Suncorp) to attract large crowds and broadcast reach, continuing the Origin tradition of high-stakes interstate rivalries.[6][7]
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Notable talking points
- The 2026 edition marks ongoing emphasis on expanding Women’s Origin exposure, including the first schedule alignment with the men’s series and host venues around Australia.[5][6]
- There’s strong attention on team selection, injury updates, and tactical matchups as teams prepare for the three-game format across major venues, with analysts highlighting potential decider dynamics depending on form and injuries.[8]
If you’d like, I can pull specific match-by-match updates, ticketing details, or team news for NSW and QLD as the games approach. I can also compare the 2026 schedule to previous years or provide a calendar feed you can import. Please tell me what you want next.
Citations:
- Official schedule and venue details for 2026 Origin series.[3][6]
- Women’s Origin fixtures and integration into the 2026 schedule.[5]
- Additional context and venue emphasis in 2026 coverage.[7][8]
Sources
The Westpac NSW Blues Women will be hoping it's third time lucky when they take on the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons at McDonald Jones Stadium to launch the 2026 Ampol State of Origin series.
www.nrl.comAFL chief executive Andrew Dillon spoke about the future of the State of Origin concept.
www.sportingnews.comThe 2026 State of Origin schedule revealed for the men's and women's games.
www.sportingnews.comState of Origin 2026 key talking points and team news for NSW and QLD, including Tom Dearden’s injury, Tedesco vs Edwards, Latrell Mitchell, Addin Fonua‑Blake and more.
www.bets.com.auThe National Rugby League (NRL) today released the full 2026 Ampol State of Origin schedule, which will see Australian sport’s greatest rivalry return to the MCG and the first Women’s State of Origin clash on the Gold Coast.
www.nswrl.com.auThe National Rugby League (NRL) today released the full 2026 Ampol State of Origin schedule, which will see Australian sport’s greatest rivalry return to the MCG and the first Women’s State of Origin clash on the Gold Coast.
www.nrl.com2026 Ampol State of Origin draw, tickets, membership packages, tickets, corporate hospitality, shop, and game day options.
www.qrl.com.auThe 2026 State of Origin fixtures are live. See all match dates and venues, and sync the full NRL schedule to your calendar with ECAL.
ecal.comGear up for the return of Australia’s greatest sporting rivalry, with the Ampol State of Origin Series confirmed for 2026.
www.nrl.com