State of Origin 2026: Confirmed Dates, Venues and Tickets

For Queensland and New South Wales fans, the 2026 Ampol State of Origin series is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated yet, with a confirmed Game 3 date of Wednesday, 8 July 2026 and venues spanning three states — plus an expanded women’s series — there’s plenty to plan around. Here’s everything you need to know, from exact dates and stadiums to how to secure your tickets.

Series number: 45th annual ·
Number of games: 3 (men’s) + 3 (women’s) ·
Venue cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle, Gold Coast ·
First men’s game venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney ·
Game 3 confirmed date: Wednesday, 8 July 2026

The key facts below summarise the confirmed details.

Where will State of Origin be played in 2026?

The 2026 men’s series visits three capital cities, each hosting one match. For the first time, Melbourne’s iconic MCG takes Game 2 instead of the smaller Rectangular Stadium – a shift that signals the series’ growing interstate appeal.

Which venues host each game?

• Game 1 (men’s): Accor Stadium, Sydney – the traditional opener with capacity for over 80,000 (NRL.com, official league website)
• Game 2 (men’s): Melbourne Cricket Ground – the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere (Events Travel, official NRL travel agent)
• Game 3 (men’s): Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane – the spiritual home of Queensland rugby league (ECAL, fixture aggregator)

The women’s series spreads across three venues too: McDonald Jones Stadium (Newcastle), Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane), and Cbus Super Stadium (Gold Coast), reflecting the rapid growth of the women’s game (ECAL).

What are the capacities of the venues?

• Accor Stadium – approximately 83,500
• MCG – approximately 100,000
• Suncorp Stadium – approximately 52,500
• McDonald Jones Stadium – approximately 33,000
• Cbus Super Stadium – approximately 27,500

The implication: For Game 2 at the MCG, fans can expect the highest capacity ever for a State of Origin match outside Queensland – a serious opportunity for Melbourne to showcase its appetite for the rivalry.

What are the dates for the 2026 State of Origin?

The NRL has locked in all three men’s dates. Women’s matches are scheduled a month earlier, with each series following a Wednesday (men’s) and Thursday (women’s) pattern.

When is Game 1?

Men’s: Wednesday, 27 May 2026 at Accor Stadium, Sydney (NRL.com, official league website). Women’s: Thursday, 30 April 2026 at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle (ECAL, fixture aggregator).

When is Game 2?

Men’s: Wednesday, 17 June 2026 at MCG (Events Travel, official NRL travel agent). Women’s: Thursday, 14 May 2026 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (ECAL).

When is Game 3?

Men’s: Wednesday, 8 July 2026 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (Sportsnet Holidays, travel package provider). Women’s: Thursday, 28 May 2026 at Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast (ECAL).

The pattern: The men’s series runs from late May to early July, consistent with recent years. The women’s series is entirely in May, allowing a clear run without overlapping the men’s hype.

How many venues will be used in State of Origin 2026?

Three venues host the men’s series, and three separate venues host the women’s series – that’s six different stadiums across five cities in three states plus the ACT (none in Canberra though). No expansion to four men’s venues in 2026, despite earlier speculation in the Queensland Rugby League circles.

Are there any changes from 2025?

• Game 2 moves from Sydney (where it was in 2025) to Melbourne.
• Women’s series expands from two to three games, following the success of the standalone women’s Origin in recent years.
• Gold Coast gains its first ever women’s Origin match (ECAL, fixture aggregator).

The catch: For New South Wales fans, Sydney only gets Game 1 – the Blues will have to travel if they want to see a decisive game.

How much are tickets for the 2026 State of Origin?

Ticket prices are not yet published in full, but official travel packages provide a baseline. For Game 3 in Brisbane, packages start from approximately $399 per person twin share, which includes a reserved seat and accommodation (Sportsnet Holidays, travel package provider).

Where can I buy tickets?

Official tickets go through NRL.com (official league website) and its authorised partners – Events Travel (Official Travel Agent since 2012) and Sportsnet Holidays. Packages guarantee seats before general public release (Events Travel, official NRL travel agent).

Are there different ticket categories?

• Silver and Gold packages available, with upgrades to Try Zone or Diamond seating (Events Travel).
• Brisbane packages include a 90-minute guided brewery tour option (Sportsnet Holidays).
• Package holders can add flights, transfers, and insurance (Events Travel).

The trade-off: Going through official packages costs more upfront, but you lock in the best seats and avoid the scramble of general sales, which typically sell out within hours.

Where is State of Origin in 2027?

The 2027 series is already generating buzz, with the NRL reportedly considering a game in New Zealand. Current ticket packages for the 2026 series mention a “future game in New Zealand in 2027” as part of multi-series offers (ECAL, fixture aggregator). Nothing is confirmed yet, but the signals are strong.

Will State of Origin be played in New Zealand in 2027?

No official confirmation from the NRL, but sources indicate it’s likely. The NRL has been pushing for international expansion, and Auckland’s Eden Park would be a natural fit. For now, treat it as probable but not locked.

What is the 2027 schedule?

Full details for 2027 are not yet available. Typically, the schedule is announced 12–18 months before the series. Expect clarity by late 2026.

Why this matters: If New Zealand gets a game, it will be the first time State of Origin leaves Australian soil – a seismic shift for the 45-year-old competition. Australian fans will need to factor international travel into their Origin plans.

What the experts are saying

“State of Origin is Australia’s greatest sporting rivalry – with games to be held in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in 2026.”

QRL website, official Queensland Rugby League

“The expansion to three women’s games is a huge step for the sport – it gives female players the same Origin recognition as the men.”

– Comment from NRL coverage via ECAL

For Queensland and New South Wales fans, the 2026 series offers a clear itinerary: book early for the best seats, especially for the MCG Game 2 and the women’s matches in Newcastle and the Gold Coast. If you’re a New South Wales supporter and want to see the Blues lift the shield, your best bet is Game 3 in Brisbane – but only if they win the first two. The choice is yours: secure a travel package now, or take your chances at general sale.

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