NEW SOUTH WALES v QUEENSLAND –  WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
EXCLUSIVE, LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

The biggest rivalry in Australian sport will ignite this Wednesday, May 27 when New South Wales and Queensland collide in AMPOL State of Origin I – Exclusive, live and free on Channel 9HD and 9Now from 7.00pm AEST.

Sydney sets the scene of the 2026 series opener, where a hungry NSW Blues team featuring Nathan Cleary, James Tedesco, Brian To’o and captain Isaah Yeo, have a taste for vengeance after losing the 2025 deciding game at home.

While Billy Slater’s reigning champion Queensland Maroons, led by Cameron Munster, will have the game’s best attacking weapons at their disposal when Kalyn Ponga, Harry Grant, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and debut playmaker Sam Walker look to pile on the points.

Wide World of Sports exclusive Origin coverage will be hosted by James Bracey with a cast of the biggest names in modern rugby league history, Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Phil Gould, Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston, Paul Gallen, Brad Fittler and Sam Thaiday, all on hand to dissect every moment of the action.

Danika Mason will deliver live updates from the sideline alongside Fittler and Lockyer, while  Allana Ferguson and Emma Lawrence join the panel to analyse the key match-ups. In the commentary box Mathew Thompson is flanked by former NSW and Queensland captains, Andrew Johns and Cameron Smith. 

STATE OF ORIGIN COUNTDOWN will get you ready for kickoff with 24/7 continuous Origin games streamed on 9Now and linear channel 9Go! from today – Tuesday, May 26 right though to the exclusive broadcast on gameday – Wednesday, May 27 at 7.00pm AEST. 

Experience State of Origin like never before with 9Now’s Battle View. This ultimate multi-view live stream lets you follow the main game while keeping an eye on NSW fullback James Tedesco and QLD halfback Sam Walker, all on the one screen streamed side-by-side live. Download the app or head to 9now.com.au

Feature stories in pregame will include Munster Unplugged when Cameron Smith sits down with Queensland skipper Cameron Munster, for a raw and real chat about his captaincy, the game, and the tragic loss of his father ahead of last year’s decider.

While sports broadcasting legend Ray Warren reflects on the enduring brilliance of the ageless James Tedesco as he steps back onto the Origin stage in Return of a Champion.

After the game you can catch up with 9Now mini-match for all the best bits in a 20-minute breakdown.

AMPOL STATE OF ORIGIN I – NEW SOUTH WALES v QUEENSLAND
LIVE from Accor Stadium, Wednesday May 27

Sydney                 7.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Brisbane               7.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Melbourne            7.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Adelaide               6.30pm LIVE on 9GoHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Perth                     5.00pm LIVE on 9GoHD, 5.30pm on Channel 9HD and 9Now

THE BUILD-UP TO ORIGIN ON NINE
Available on Channel 9 and 9Now

FREDDY AND THE EIGHTH –  Tuesday night, May 26
NSW legends Brad Fittler and the Eighth rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns preview Origin I. 

NRLWRAP – WOMEN’S ORIGIN III SPECIAL –  Tuesday night, May 26
Join Emma Lawrence, Allana Ferguson and injured Jillaroos, Maroons and Roosters player Tarryn Aiken as special guest to break down all the key matchups and biggest talking points ahead of the 2026 Women’s State of Origin.  

SIX TACKLES WITH GUS LIVE FROM SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK ON GAMEDAY – Wednesday, May 27, 2.00pm
Phil “Gus” Gould is joined by former NSW captain Jake Trbojevic and channel 9 NRLcaller Mat Thompson preview the big game at The Locker Room bar outside Accor Stadium to preview the opening game of the 2026 Origin series with a live audience thanks to TAB.

STORIES OF ORIGIN PODCAST: SEASON 5
In the 46th year of Australian sport’s fiercest rivalry, the award winning podcast series Stories of Origin returns for 2026 with its most emotional series yet – My Favourite Origin. Podcast Available on 9Podcasts, Spotify, Apple and Google

Episode 1 – Nathan Cleary’s Masterclass
Nathan Cleary dissects his favourite Origin played so far. Game 2, 2022 in Perth where he silenced all critics with a scintillating performance and cemented his place at Origin level.

Episode 2 – Billy Slater’s favourite Origin
The greatest fullback of all time relives Game 2, 2004 where he delivered a breakout performance and his legendary chip and chase try at Suncorp Stadium.

Episode 3 – Danny Buderus: The 2005 Decider
Danny Buderus’ favourite Origin story centres on Game 3 of the 2005 State of Origin series, when he captained New South Wales to a famous 32-10 win over Queensland at Suncorp Stadium. The victory became historic in hindsight because it was the last time a NSW captain won an Origin decider in Brisbane for almost 20 years.

STATE OF ORIGIN I
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, AT 7.00PM
EXCLUSIVE, LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Tuesday 26 May, 2026