State of Origin 2026: Schedule, dates, start times for NSW Blues vs. QLD Maroons

Laurie Daley and the New South Wales Blues will attempt to reclaim the State of Origin shield in 2026 after going down to Queensland 2-1 in last year’s series.

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The Blues jumped to a 1-0 lead with an 18-6 victory in the opening clash at Suncorp Stadium.

But the Maroons bounced back hard to win Game II at a wet Optus Stadium Perth 26-24, before also claiming the Game III decider 24-12 on enemy soil at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

The result delivered Queensland its third State of Origin series victory in four seasons under current head coach Billy Slater.

MORE: State of Origin 2026 line-ups — Predicted NSW and QLD teams for Game I in Sydney

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Queensland enters the 2026 series with a clear edge in both Origin matches and series won.

Of the 132 matches played since 1980 the Maroons have won 70 while NSW has triumphed on 60 occasions, there have also been two draws.

Queensland currently leads on series wins — 25 to 17 — while another two series were drawn with Maroons retaining the Origin shield on both occasions.

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State of Origin 2026 Schedule: Dates, Venues for Series