The excitement is already building for State of Origin 2026, with fans across Australia eagerly discussing potential team selections. While official squads will be confirmed closer to the series, early projections offer a fascinating look at how the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues could line up for one of rugby league’s most intense rivalries.
Note: The following squads are expected selections and have not been officially confirmed.
Queensland Maroons (Expected Squad)
Queensland is tipped to assemble a powerful combination of experienced leaders and explosive young talent. With depth across key positions, the Maroons are expected to rely on structured attack and aggressive defensive intensity.
Expected Players:
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (The Dolphins)
- Xavier Coates (Melbourne Storm)
- Robert Toia (Sydney Roosters)
- Gehamat Shibasaki (Brisbane Broncos)
- Valentine Holmes (St George Illawarra Dragons)
- Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm – Captain)
- Tom Dearden (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders)
- Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm)
- Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans)
- Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Kurt Capewell (New Zealand Warriors)
- Trent Loiero (Melbourne Storm)
- Kurt Mann (Canterbury Bulldogs)
- Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters)
- Pat Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos)
- Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos)
- J’maine Hopgood (Parramatta Eels)
- Josh Kerr (The Dolphins)
Queensland Team Analysis
If these selections hold, Queensland’s strength will lie in their spine. Cameron Munster’s leadership and playmaking ability, combined with Harry Grant’s speed around the ruck, could give the Maroons a tactical edge. The forward pack, led by Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Josh Papalii, provides physical dominance, while outside backs like Xavier Coates and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow add finishing power.
Speed, versatility, and defensive discipline are expected to define Queensland’s 2026 campaign.
New South Wales Blues (Expected Squad)
The Blues are projected to enter the 2026 Origin series with a balanced and highly competitive lineup. Their squad depth across the halves and forward pack suggests a strong tactical foundation.
Starting Lineup (Projected)
- Edwards
- To’o
- Crichton
- Mitchell
- Lomax
- Luai
- Cleary
- King
- Robson
- Haas
- Martin
- Crichton
- Yeo
Interchange Bench
- Watson
- Leniu
- Young
- Utoikamanu
New South Wales Team Analysis
New South Wales is expected to lean heavily on their halves combination of Cleary and Luai to control tempo and territory. With Mitchell’s attacking flair and To’o’s work rate on the wing, the Blues offer strong attacking threats across the park.
The forward pack, led by Haas and Yeo, should provide go-forward momentum and defensive stability. The interchange bench also adds impact, particularly in the middle rotations where high-intensity minutes often decide Origin contests.
What to Expect in State of Origin 2026
State of Origin 2026 promises to deliver high-speed action, tactical battles, and fierce interstate pride. Both Queensland and New South Wales appear evenly matched on paper, with depth, experience, and rising stars shaping what could be one of the most competitive series in recent history.
As official team announcements approach, fans will be watching closely for final selections, injury updates, and tactical adjustments. One thing is certain — the rivalry remains as strong as ever, and Origin 2026 is set to capture national attention once again.