The State of Origin series looks markedly different in 2026 as Queensland and NSW prepare for game one at Accor Stadium in Sydney. Both teams feature rookie halves, new selection rules, and revamped bench strategies, altering the traditional rivalry.
New Faces in Key Positions
Queensland is without its most famous face, Reece Walsh, who was omitted in favor of Kalyn Ponga at fullback. The Maroons will rely on a new halves pairing: veteran Cameron Munster and debutant Sam Walker, the Roosters’ playmaker. Coach Billy Slater emphasized letting Walker be himself while adapting the team's style to support him.
NSW also fields a rookie five-eighth, Ethan Strange, who replaces the injured Mitchell Moses. Strange, 21, is known for his hard running and tackling. Blues coach Laurie Daley expressed confidence in Strange, noting that Origin fatigue can be exploited by a strong running game.
Bench and Eligibility Changes
This year's series introduces a six-player bench, though only four can be used across eight interchanges. Coaches must now plan for fatigue and contingencies. Slater said the extended bench allows them to cover all bases, while Daley raised eyebrows by including Matt Burton as a second halfback alongside Nathan Cleary.
Eligibility rules have also expanded: players who represented England or New Zealand but spent part of their childhood in Queensland or NSW can now be selected. Prop Addin Fonua-Blake (NZ, grew up in Mascot) starts for the Blues, while backrower Victor Radley (England, Clovelly junior) and Kiwi centre Casey McLean come off the bench. Queensland named Briton Nikora, another Kiwi, on the interchange.
Key Matchups and Debutants
Fullbacks Kalyn Ponga and James Tedesco will duel; Tedesco plays his 24th Origin, surpassing Andrew Johns and Jarryd Hayne. If he plays again, he will rise to third on the all-time list. Debutants include Tolu Koula (Blues wing), Jojo Fifita (Maroons wing), Max Plath (Maroons lock), and Blayke Brailey (Blues hooker).
Despite the changes, the core rivalry remains. Slater said his side is focused on realizing their potential, while Daley dismissed the idea that Cleary must "own" Origin, noting the halfback has won man-of-the-match awards and series before. Game one promises to be a test of new strategies and emerging talent under the bright Origin lights.
