The third match of the 2026 State of Origin series has arrived with the NSW Blues and QLD Maroons both needing a win to claim the shield.
State of Origin Tips – New South Wales vs Queensland
History: Played 137, Queensland 73, New South Wales 62, draws 2
Last Five Matches
Game 1, 2025 – NSW 18 def Queensland 6 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Game 2, 2025 – Queensland 26 def NSW 24 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Game 3, 2025 – Queensland 24 def NSW 12 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Game 1, 2026 – NSW 22 def Queensland 20 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Game 2, 2026 – Queensland 44 def NSW 24 at MCG, Melbourne
Team News
Queensland: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Robert Toia 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Cameron Munster 7. Sam Walker 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Briton Nikora 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Max Plath 15. Patrick Carrigan 16. Jeremiah Nanai 17. Trent Loiero 18. Reece Walsh 19. Murray Taulagi 20. Corey Horsburgh
New South Wales: 1. James Tedesco 2. Jack Bostock 3. Bradman Best 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Payne Haas 9. Reece Robson 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Hudson Young 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Cameron Murray 15. Addin Fonua-Blake 16. Haumole Olakau’atu 17. Blayke Brailey 18. Ethan Strange 19. Tolutau Koula 20. Victor Radley
What We Like
First Tryscorer (Mark Nawaqanitawase @ $10.00)
An X-factor who can create something out of nothing, Mark Nawaqanitawase is one of the best attacking players in the NRL and is a constant threat in attack. Not only does he possess the attacking flair that others wish they had, but he will also be the primary aerial target for kickers Mitchell Moses and Nathan Cleary on last tackle when the ball is near their try-line.
Anytime Tryscorer (Selwyn Cobbo @ $1.98)
Arguably the Man of the Match of Game II, Selwyn Cobbo has been in miraculous form for the Queensland Maroons during this year’s series after receiving the call-up from Billy Slater. In terrific form as of late, the Maroons will look to continually go down his edge of the field and provide him space or get him into one-on-one moments with the opposing Blues defenders.
Team Leading After 10 mins (Neither @ $2.55)
Don’t expect much action on the scoreboard in the opening ten minutes as both states try to feel each other out in the middle of the field. It is common knowledge that both states will be looking to gain as much field position during this period and the contest will be more back-and-forth with the two sides trading sets rather than giving up tries or easy penalties – which can be translated into conversions.
Final Thoughts
They may have lost Game I, but the Queensland Maroons were in control for the majority of the series opener – and would have won if Kalyn Ponga hadn’t been sent from the field – and absolutely demolished the NSW Blues in Game II at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Attempting to make it back-to-back series victories, the Maroons enter the clash as favourites and for good reason. Not only will they be playing in their backyard of Suncorp Stadium, but coach Billy Slater has decided to stick with roughly the same line-up. Whereas, Blues coach Laurie Daley has decided to make mass changes to his side and several star players are still under injury clouds and are unfortunately not back to their peak fitness.