All you need to know about the State of Origin series decider, Queensland v New South Wales
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Queensland host New South Wales in the State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Wednesday night.
Game three kicks off at 10.05pm (NZT) with live updates right here on Stuff from 9.30pm.
NSW won game one 22-20 but only after Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off. Queensland were way too good in game two with a 44-24 victory.
What to expect
If anyone knows what to expect from a game three State of Origin series decider at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, it has to be Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett.
A hard-nosed middle forward, Barnett made his New South Wales debut in game three of 2024, when the Blues claimed their last series victory with a 14-4 win.
Few things in rugby league would better a series decider at Suncorp and the hostile reception that meets New South Wales.
“I remember the noise ringing in my ears. I’d love to replicate that win again,” Barnett told NRL.com.
More than 52,500 fans, mostly dressed in maroon, will create the intense cauldron that a game three decider deserves.
“It’s a great place to play rugby league whether you’re on the good side or the bad side, so to speak.
“I’m just looking forward to the occasion on Wednesday. It doesn’t get any bigger than this.'
New South Wales won game one 22-20 back in May but only after mounting a comeback following Kalyn Ponga being sent off and a James Tedesco try in the 78th minute. They were no match for Queensland in game two and were hammered 44-24.
As hard as it is to see Laurie Daley’s New South Wales side turning things around, especially in Brisbane, State of Origin history is littered with unlikely upsets and Barnett has the right to feel confident, given he was part of one three years ago.
The teams
Queensland: Kalyn Ponga, Selwyn Cobbo, Robert Toia, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jojo Fifita, Cameron Munster, Sam Walker; Thomas Flegler, Harry Grant, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Briton Nikora, Kurt Capewell, Reuben Cotter. Interchange: Max Plath, Patrick Carrigan, Jeremiah Nanai, Trent Loiero, Reece Walsh, Murray Taulagi. Reserve: Corey Horsburgh.
New South Wales: James Tedesco, Jack Bostock, Bradman Best, Stephen Crichton, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Mitchell Moses, Nathan Cleary; Payne Haas, Reece Robson, Mitchell Barnett, Hudson Young, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo. Interchange: Cameron Murray, Addin Fonua-Blake, Haumole Olakau'atu, Blayke Brailey, Ethan Strange, Tolutau Koula. Reserve: Victor Radley.
TAB odds
Queensland $1.55, New South Wales $2.50