AFL State of Origin to Return in 2026 with Perth as Exclusive ...
AFL State of Origin returns in 2026 with Perth’s Optus Stadium as exclusive host, delivering major tourism, economic and community benefits.
ministryofsport.comHere’s the latest on State of Origin 2026.
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The State of Origin series is returning in 2026, with the matches scheduled to be played across February and March, continuing the traditional NSW vs Queensland rivalry. This follows announcements in 2025 confirming the series would resume after the hiatus .
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The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is slated to host the marquee games in 2026, with venues and dates announced for the two main men’s fixtures and the Women's Origin scheduled on the Gold Coast as part of the expanded plan .
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For the opening and sequence of games, early reporting indicated a three-match series with games in Sydney and Melbourne, and a mid-series fixture at a key Queensland venue, aligning with standard Origin format but updated for 2026 scheduling .
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If you’re tracking team selections and live updates, media outlets and the official NRL site have been publishing ongoing selections, injury news, and lineup announcements as the series approaches, with expected confirmation around May–June 2026 for Game 1 teams and subsequent rounds .
Illustration (example of typical Origin schedule pattern)
- Game 1: NSW vs Queensland at a major venue (e.g., Accor Stadium or MCG)
- Game 2: Return clash at the opponent’s home
- Game 3: Decider at a neutral or high-profile venue if tied
Would you like me to pull the precise dates, venues, and current player selections for Game 1 of 2026, or provide a quick comparison of the 2025 outcomes to the 2026 plan? I can also set up a calendar-friendly list of all matches once you confirm which format you prefer.