Recap: New South Wales clinch unlikely comeback in Origin 1 thriller
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
New South Wales host Queensland in game 1 of the 2026 State of Origin series on Wednesday night.
The match kicks off at 10.05pm (NZT) and you can follow live updates right here on Stuff.
Queensland are the defending champions after winning games two and three last year for a 2-1 series victory.
Late changes
New South Wales has been dealt a huge blow with star half Mitchell Moses ruled out on Tuesday due to the hamstring injury he suffered at training on Monday. Ethan Strange, 21, will come into the starting side for this State of Origin debut to replace Moses. There are no changes to the Queensland lineup.
What to expect
As always with State of Origin, expect a brutal, fast 20 minutes in which both teams will attempt to dominate the middle and avoid mistakes before the game opens up when fatigue sets in. With so many new players and unknowns in game one of this year’s series, and given the evenness of the two sides, the result is hard to predict.
Teams for game 1
New South Wales: James Tedesco, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Kotoni Staggs, Tolutau Koula, Ethan Strange, Nathan Cleary; Addin Fonua-Blake, Reece Robson, Mitchell Barnett, Hudson Young, Haumole Olakau'atu, Isaah Yeo (c). Interchange: Cameron Murray, Victor Radley, Jacob Saifiti, Blayke Brailey, Casey McLean, Matt Burton. Reserve: Dylan Lucas.
Queensland: Kalyn Ponga, Selwyn Cobbo, Robert Toia, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jojo Fifita, Cameron Munster, Sam Walker; Thomas Flegler, Harry Grant, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Reuben Cotter, Kurt Capewell, Max Plath. Interchange: Briton Nikora, Lindsay Collins, Patrick Carrigan, Trent Loiero, Ezra Mam, Gehamat Shibasaki. Reserves: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.
TAB odds
New South Wales $1.65, Queensland $2.25
What’s next?
Game two will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 17 and game three takes place on July 8 at Suncorp Stadium.