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The Westpac NSW Blues are out to defend home turf as they look to topple Queensland in the opening game of the 2026 Ampol State of Origin series.<\/p>\n
Blues coach Laurie Daley has named a new-look squad for the clash as he looks to bounce back from last year’s defeat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A capacity crowd exceeding 80,000 is expected at Accor Stadium, with fans set to turn the stadium sky blue in support of their team.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Six NSW players are in the mix to make Origin debuts, with Addin Fonua-Blake and Tolu Koula named to start. Victor Radley, Ethan Strange, Blayke Brailey and Casey McLean have all been listed on the six-man bench.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Daley has made no secret of his desire for the Blues to take on an attacking mindset and has recalled former skipper James Tedesco at fullback.<\/p>\n
While home ground advantage has always played a big role throughout the 46-year history of State of Origin, visiting teams have enjoyed some success in recent times.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The home team hasn’t won an Origin game since 2023, when NSW prevailed 24-10 at Accor Stadium.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It’s a stat that will buoy Billy Slater’s Maroons as they look to open their account before the series shifts to Melbourne and later Brisbane.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The reigning champions have plenty of stability from last year but there have been a handful of changes to the side that won the decider at Accor Stadium.\u00a0<\/p>\n
An injury to Tom Dearden has opened the door for halfback Sam Walker to make his Origin debut, while Kalyn Ponga edged Reece Walsh in the race for the fullback jumper.<\/p>\n
Stat Attack<\/p>\n
The Maroons have lost Game 1 only once under coach Billy Slater.
\nThe Blues have lost their last four series-openers in Sydney.
\nMaroons fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has scored 11 tries in 10 Origin appearances.
\nWinger Brian To\u2019o requires one try to become the outright leading Origin tryscorer for NSW.<\/p>\n
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Team News<\/p>\n
Blues:\u00a0James Tedesco has edged Dylan Edwards for the fullback role in the tightest positional battle for NSW, with Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses to link up in the halves. There are six potential debutants in the 19-man team as Laurie Daley makes a raft of changes from Game Three last year. Tongan co-captain Addin Fonua-Blake and Manly speedster Tolu Koula have been named in the starting side, while Victor Radley, Blayke Brailey, Ethan Strange and Casey McLean are all on the six-man bench. Hudson Young and Haumole Olakau’atu form a new-look backrow, while Cam Murray makes his Origin return via the interchange.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Maroons:\u00a0Sam Walker will make his Origin debut at halfback in place of the injured Tom Dearden, with captain Cam Munster retaining the No.6 jumper. Kalyn Ponga has edged Reece Walsh for the No.1 jumper, while Rob Toia and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will line up in the centres. Jojo Fifita is set for his Queensland debut on the wing, fellow debutant Max Plath starts at lock and Briton Nikora is in line for his maiden Origin appearance after being named on the six-man interchange. Pat Carrigan is set to bring punch off the bench, while Ezra Mam and Gehamat Shibasaki shape as potential X-factors if injected into the contest by coach Billy Slater.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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