AFL State of Origin football is returning.
The inter-state rivalry will make a comeback for the first time since 1999.
According to 9News’ chief AFL reporter, Tom Morris, a formal announcement will come in the next 48 hours to confirm that State of Origin will be rebooted next season, with a blockbuster clash between Western Australia and Victoria.
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The highly anticipated match is scheduled for February 14, 2026, at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
This move is a cornerstone of chief executive Andrew Dillon’s plan to inject fresh, high-value events into the football calendar, tapping into the enduring passion for representative footy and giving fans a new spectacle to kick off the season.
Details on player availability and the long-term future of the concept are expected to be included in the official announcement.
The AFL last held a one-off State of Origin match for bushfire relief in February 2020.
Trent Cotchin, Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Pendlebury and Todd Goldstein all donned the ‘Big V’ in 2020. Paul Rovere via Getty Images