The stage is set, the cauldrons are bubbling, and the anticipation is thicker than Queensland mud! The iconic State of Origin rivalry reignites tonight with Game 1 kicking off at Accor Stadium in Sydney. New South Wales, the Blues, hungry for back-to-back series wins, face their arch nemesis, the Queensland Maroons, desperate to reclaim their crown.
This year’s Origin promises to be a cracker. Both sides boast a potent mix of experience and youthful exuberance. The Blues will be spearheaded by the ever-reliable James Tedesco, while the Maroons unleash a whopping six debutantes, the most since 2001. Can the fresh blood of Queensland upset the seasoned Blues, or will experience prevail in this Origin cauldron?
History hangs heavy in the air. The Blues hold a slight edge in overall wins, but Queensland has dominated recent years, claiming six of the past eight series. Accor Stadium will be a sea of blue tonight, but underestimate the Maroons at your peril. Their passionate home crowd may be far away, but their unwavering spirit will travel south.
This isn’t just a game; it’s a battle for State pride. bragging rights, and the coveted Origin shield. It’s a clash of titans, a test of endurance, and a showcase of the raw, pulsating energy that makes rugby league the greatest game on earth. So, grab your jersey, crank up the anthem, and settle in, because tonight, we witness the opening chapter of what promises to be an epic State of Origin series!
When & What time is Game 1 kick-off?
Accor Stadium in Sydney will host this year’s Origin opener on Wednesday, June 5.
US & Canada: 6.05 AM (ET Time) on 5th June
- 8:05pm AEST: ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria
- 7:35pm ACST: Northern Territory, South Australia
- 6:05pm AWST: Western Australia
Broadcast Channels For State of Origin Game 1
Australia: Channel 9 and 9 Now will broadcast the games live, with on-demand replays available on 9 Now including Game 1
USA: Fox Sports will be showing all the matches including Game 1
UK: Sky Sports Action has live coverage of the entire series including Game 1
Canada: Roger Sports Net (RSN) will be televising the State of Origin games including Game 1
The State of Origin Squads For Game 1
The State of Origin teams are selected for each match, not for the entire series. Here’s the information for Game 1 will take place on June 5th
| New South Wales | Queensland | |
|---|---|---|
| James Tedesco | 1 | Reece Walsh |
| Brian To’o | 2 | Xavier Coates |
| Stephen Crichton | 3 | Valentine Holmes |
| Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i | 4 | Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow |
| Zac Lomax | 5 | Murray Taulagi |
| Jarome Luai | 6 | Tom Dearden |
| Nicho Hynes | 7 | Daly Cherry-Evans (c) |
| Jake Trbojevic (c) | 8 | Reuben Cotter |
| Reece Robson | 9 | Ben Hunt |
| Payne Haas | 10 | Lindsay Collins |
| Liam Martin | 11 | Jaydn Su’A |
| Angus Crichton | 12 | Jeremiah Nanai |
| Cameron McInnes | 13 | Patrick Carrigan |
| Isaah Yeo | 14 | Harry Grant |
| Haumole Olakau’atu | 15 | Moeaki Fotuaika |
| Spencer Leniu | 16 | J’maine Hopgood |
| Hudson Young | 17 | Selwyn Cobbo |
| Matt Burton | 18 | Felise Kaufusi |
| Luke Keary | 19 | Brendan Piakura |
| Mitchell Barnett | 20 | Ezra Mam |
Preview of State Of Origin Game 1
The annual State of Origin warpath begins tonight as the NSW Blues and Queensland Maroons collide in a brutal battle for State supremacy at Accor Stadium. Here’s a look at what’s shaping up to be a thrilling Game 1:
Blues Aim for Repeat, Maroons Seek Redemption: The Blues, fresh off back-to-back series wins, are hungry for more. However, injuries have forced coach Brad Fittler to shuffle his deck, with debutants like Zac Lomax and Joseph Suaali’I thrown into the Origin fire. Captaincy duties fall to the ever-reliable Jake Trbojevic, while the halves pairing of Nicho Hynes and Dylan Luai will be crucial for steering the ship.
Queensland Unleashes Young Guns: The Maroons, under the guidance of Wayne Bennett, boast a youthful exuberance with a whopping six debutants – the most in over two decades. This injection of fresh talent could prove a double-edged sword – raw athleticism versus Origin experience. Look out for young guns like Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Reece Walsh to inject some x-factor into the Maroon attack.
Advantage Blues on Home Soil? Historically, Game 1s at Accor Stadium have been tight affairs with a focus on defense. This could favor the Blues, with their strong running forwards like Junior Paulo and the ever-reliable workhorse trio of Edwards, To’o, and Lomax. Can they exploit the Maroons’ potential inexperience and establish a stranglehold on the contest?
Experience vs. Enthusiasm: The key question lies in which team will manage the Origin cauldron better. The Blues boast seasoned veterans like James Tedesco (although not starting at fullback) who have tasted Origin glory before. The Maroons, on the other hand, bring a youthful enthusiasm and a burning desire to reclaim their lost crown.
A Night of Pure Rugby League: Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: tonight will be a showcase of the raw, pulsating energy that defines rugby league. Expect a brutal battle of inches, moments of individual brilliance, and a passionate display of State pride. So, buckle up, rugby league fans, Origin fever is at its peak, and we’re in for a belter!
