The NSW Blues and Queensland Maroons will face off in a three-game series again in 2026, with matches spread across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Ampol State of Origin series, from ticket windows to broadcast details.
Game 1 Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney · Game 3 Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane · Series Locations: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne · Ticket Sales: Available via Ticketek and NRL.com · Official Source: NRL.com and QRL.com.au
Quick snapshot
- Exact ticket prices for each Origin match
- On-sale dates for games beyond Game 2
- Detailed seating capacity for each venue
- Schedule released: 12 November 2025 (NRL.com)
- Game 2 pre-sale: 27 November 2025 (NRL.com)
- Game 2 public sale: 28 November 2025 (NRL.com)
- Women’s Origin series starts 30 April 2026 in Newcastle (NRL.com)
- U19s matches scheduled for 18 June 2026 (NRL.com)
- Tickets for remaining games on sale at later date (NRL.com)
The table below consolidates key specifications for the 2026 series.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Series Name | 2026 Ampol State of Origin |
| Game 1 Venue | Accor Stadium, Sydney |
| Game 2 Venue | MCG, Melbourne |
| Game 3 Venue | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane |
| Tickets On Sale | Ticketek and NRL.com |
| Official Sites | nrl.com, qrl.com.au |
| Game 1 Date | 27 May 2026 |
| Game 2 Date | 17 June 2026 |
| Game 3 Date | 8 July 2026 |
Where will State of Origin be played in 2026?
The 2026 Ampol State of Origin series will visit three cities across three states, with each game in a different major stadium. The Queensland Rugby League officially confirmed that men’s Origin games will be held in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane (QRL), continuing the multi-city format that has become standard in recent years.
Game 1 at Accor Stadium Sydney
The series opener is at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. This marks the start of the three-game battle between the NSW Blues and Queensland Maroons (NRL.com). Sydney has hosted Origin games consistently, and the stadium provides a large-capacity venue.
Game 2 at MCG Melbourne
- 2026 marks the second time in three years the MCG hosts Origin Game 2 (NRL.com)
- Melbourne’s iconic stadium offers over 100,000 capacity for major events
- Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday, 17 June 2026
The MCG’s return as a venue reflects the NRL’s commitment to expanding Origin’s geographic footprint beyond traditional rugby league heartlands.
Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium Brisbane
The series concludes at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. Queensland Maroons fans will be aiming for a decisive home finish at their traditional fortress venue. Hospitality options for Game 2 are available via NRL.com/hospitality (NRL.com), though specific pricing hasn’t been publicly disclosed.
The three-city rotation means fans in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland each get a home game — but it also means interstate travel costs for supporters backing their team across the full series.
What are the dates for State of Origin?
The men’s Origin series runs from late May through early July 2026, with all three games scheduled for mid-week evenings. This timing follows the established pattern of Wednesday night footy that has characterized the series in recent seasons.
Series schedule overview
- Men’s Game 1: Wednesday, 27 May 2026 — Accor Stadium, Sydney
- Men’s Game 2: Wednesday, 17 June 2026 — MCG, Melbourne
- Men’s Game 3: Wednesday, 8 July 2026 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Supporting matches and key dates
- Women’s Game 1: Thursday, 30 April 2026 — McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle (NRL.com)
- Women’s Game 2: Thursday, 14 May 2026 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Women’s Game 3: Thursday, 28 May 2026 — Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast (first women’s game at this venue)
- U19s State of Origin: Thursday, 18 June 2026 — North Sydney Oval (NRL.com)
The schedule was released by the NRL on 12 November 2025 (NRL.com), giving fans nearly seven months to plan attendance for the men’s series opener.
When and where is State of Origin in 2026?
Beyond the men’s series, 2026 features a full Origin carnival including women’s and Under-19s matches. This multi-tier approach means there are Origin matches running from late April through mid-June, with something for fans of every level of the game.
Full series timeline
- 30 April 2026: Women’s Game 1 — McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
- 27 May 2026: Men’s Game 1 — Accor Stadium, Sydney (NSW Blues home)
- 28 May 2026: Women’s Game 3 — Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
- 17 June 2026: Men’s Game 2 — MCG, Melbourne
- 18 June 2026: U19s matches — North Sydney Oval
- 8 July 2026: Men’s Game 3 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (Queensland Maroons home)
Venue-date pairings
The geographical spread is deliberate: the women’s series starts in New South Wales (Newcastle) before moving to Queensland venues in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. This gives the women’s competition its own identity within the broader Origin framework (NRL.com). State of Origin is Australia’s greatest sporting rivalry — with games held in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne in 2026 (QRL).
The scheduling pattern reflects the NRL’s strategy of layering multiple Origin tiers while maximizing venue utilization across the eastern seaboard.
Where can I watch State of Origin 2026?
For viewers at home, the broadcast picture is straightforward for the main men’s and women’s series. The Nine Network holds exclusive rights to both the men’s and women’s Origin matches, ensuring free-to-air coverage for the primary games.
Broadcast options
- All men’s and women’s Origin series matches broadcast live and exclusively on the Nine Network (NRL.com)
- U19s State of Origin matches shown on Nine Network, Kayo Sports, and Foxtel (NRL.com)
- Streaming available through Kayo Sports for those without traditional pay TV
Overseas viewing
For fans outside Australia, the NRL offers overseas streaming options through its official platforms. International viewers can watch Rugby League online via NRL.com’s overseas broadcast offerings. Those looking to watch NRL overseas should check regional availability through the official NRL streaming services, as geo-restrictions apply to most content.
Cord-cutters without pay TV need Kayo Sports or a digital antenna to access the Nine Network’s free-to-air signal. The under-19s games receive additional coverage on Foxtel and Kayo, filling gaps where Nine’s schedule doesn’t reach.
How much are tickets for State of Origin 2026?
Ticket information is currently limited to Game 2 at the MCG, with other match prices yet to be announced. The NRL has released ticket windows but specific pricing tiers remain unavailable for public games beyond the Melbourne fixture.
Ticket packages and sales timeline
- Game 2 pre-sale (NRL Club Members and Account Holders): Thursday, 27 November 2025 (NRL.com)
- Game 2 public sale: Friday, 28 November 2025 (NRL.com)
- Tickets for remaining men’s, women’s Origin matches, and U19s: On sale at later date (NRL.com)
- Official ticket platforms: Ticketek (premier.ticketek.com.au) and NRL.com/tickets
Pricing and availability
Exact ticket prices for individual State of Origin matches have not yet been publicly disclosed by the NRL. For reference, Magic Round Guest Passes — a separate event at Suncorp Stadium in May 2026 — are priced at $155 per person per day (Suncorp Stadium), though these sold out quickly after release.
Fans expecting similar pricing for Origin games should prepare for a premium. Historical data suggests State of Origin tickets command higher prices than regular-season matches, and the MCG’s prestige as a venue will drive additional demand.
Timeline
Key dates in the lead-up to and during the 2026 Origin series.
| Date/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 12 November 2025 | NRL releases 2026 State of Origin schedule |
| 27 November 2025 | Pre-sale for Game 2 tickets (NRL Club Members) |
| 28 November 2025 | Public sale for Game 2 tickets |
| 30 April 2026 | Women’s Game 1 — McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle |
| 15-17 May 2026 | NRL Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium (separate from Origin) |
| 27 May 2026 | Men’s Game 1 — Accor Stadium, Sydney |
| 17 June 2026 | Men’s Game 2 — MCG, Melbourne |
| 18 June 2026 | U19s State of Origin — North Sydney Oval |
| 8 July 2026 | Men’s Game 3 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane |
| 4 October 2026 | NRL Grand Final — Accor Stadium, Sydney |
What we know — and what we don’t
Confirmed
- Venues for Game 1 (Accor Stadium) and Game 3 (Suncorp Stadium) confirmed by NRL and QRL
- Series spread across Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne
- All three men’s games confirmed on Wednesdays: 27 May, 17 June, 8 July 2026
- Women’s and U19s matches confirmed with venues and dates
- Broadcast exclusive on Nine Network for men’s and women’s series
Unclear
- Exact ticket prices for games beyond Game 2
- Specific on-sale dates for Women’s Game 1 and Game 3 tickets
- Seating capacity details for each venue’s configuration for Origin
- Hospitality pricing and availability
- Any schedule changes post-November 2025 announcement
What they’re saying
The 2026 Ampol State of Origin Series will kick off in Blues territory at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Wednesday, May 27 before heading to Melbourne for the second time in three years with Game Two to be held at the iconic MCG on June 17.
— NRL (Official Announcement)
State of Origin is Australia’s greatest sporting rivalry – with games to be held in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in 2026.
— Queensland Rugby League (QRL.com.au)
The women’s series adds depth to what was previously a two-week men’s carnival. With the 2026 women’s Game 3 making its first appearance at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, the women’s competition is carving out its own regional footprint.
Bottom line
The 2026 Ampol State of Origin series delivers the familiar Wednesday night format across three cities, with Game 2 tickets going on sale 28 November 2025. For NSW fans, the home opener at Accor Stadium on 27 May is the first opportunity to see the Blues in action. Queensland supporters will be watching closely for Game 3 tickets at Suncorp Stadium on 8 July, which traditionally draws the series’ most intense atmosphere.
For fans trying to decide between attending games or watching from home, the trade-off is straightforward: attending requires committing to interstate travel for the full series, while the free-to-air Nine Network broadcast covers all three men’s and women’s games without subscription costs. Those outside Australia will need NRL’s overseas streaming platform to watch legally.
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The series builds to a potential decider at Suncorp Stadium, where the Origin Game 3 2026 guide outlines key dates and ticket details for fans.
Frequently asked questions
Can you watch State of Origin overseas?
Yes. The NRL offers overseas streaming through its official platforms. Geo-restrictions apply, so international fans should verify availability in their region through NRL.com’s streaming services.
Where is State of Origin in 2027?
The 2027 schedule has not yet been announced. The NRL typically releases the following year’s Origin schedule several months in advance, so check NRL.com closer to late 2026 for confirmation.
What is the difference between NRL and AFL State of Origin?
The NRL State of Origin follows the “state of origin” rule — players represent the state where they played their first senior game. In AFL, State of Origin matches historically used the same concept but have been less frequent in recent years. The NRL Origin series is the more prominent representative competition in Australian rugby league.
How to buy State of Origin 2026 tickets?
Tickets are available through Ticketek (premier.ticketek.com.au) and the official NRL.com/tickets page. Game 2 tickets at the MCG went on public sale 28 November 2025. Remaining game tickets will be released at a later date — pre-sale access for NRL Account Holders offers the best chance of securing seats for sold-out matches.
Who won the last State of Origin series?
Queensland won the 2024 series 2-1, claiming the series at Suncorp Stadium in Game 2 before securing the crown in Game 3. The 2025 results would have been decided before the 2026 schedule was released.
What channels broadcast State of Origin?
The Nine Network holds exclusive free-to-air rights for men’s and women’s Origin series matches. U19s matches additionally air on Kayo Sports and Foxtel alongside Nine. Streaming is available through Kayo Sports.
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Marc Thompson is Managing Editor at Downunder Brief, overseeing daily newsroom workflow, commissioning and headline review.