State of Origin: Game 1 Preview

Game 1 of the 2026 State of Origin series is here, and I’ve got a few things to keep an eye on when the New South Wales Blues host the Queensland Maroons at Accor Stadium tonight:

• Fullback Battle

• Moses Out/Strange In

• Maroons Left Edge Defence

• Referee Chat

Fullback Battle

A lot needs to go right in front of them for Kalyn Ponga and James Tedesco to dominate the game, but their contrasting styles suggest we’re in for an exciting head-to-head battle should the game flow as we hope.

James Tedesco lost his spot to Dylan Edwards for Game 2 of the 2024 series, and while much of the media retired him from State of Origin football at the time, he’s once again the first-choice fullback for the New South Wales Blues. His recall comes on the back of impressive form at club land and his reliability in the Origin arena.

Tedesco brings a power game and relentless pressure. His carries are strong enough to start yardage sets with a punch, or end them with a quick play-the-ball to kick from - sometime both. His push in support keeps the defence in two minds and doesn’t allow them to turn in early on any ball player at any time.

His best work comes through the middle in support and into the backfield. Kalyn Ponga, on the other hand, will do most of his damage on the edges.

The idea that ‘he’s playing like a halfback’ isn’t entirely true. He’s touching the ball more through the middle of the field in an occasional pivot role for the Newcastle Knights, but his point of difference and the best use of his skillset comes on the second layer out wide.

The Queensland Maroons gameplan is, typically, to play the long game. Set the game up early to win it late, and take your chances when they appear. They completed at 100% in the first half while building a 20-0 lead in the decider last year. Queensland can create from anywhere with Ponga on the field, particularly with the speed looming around him.

He’s excellent when weighing up decisions as a ball player out the back of a lead. If the defence turns out to early in anticipation of a pass, his speed, footwork and strength are difficult for any single defender to handle. His mere presense can often create opportunities for others as he becomes such a focus for the defence.

Despite what we’ve seen in the NRL this season, I hope we see a game that comes down to the dying stages where one of these two is likely to act as the decider.

Moses Out/Strange In

Mitchell Moses being ruled out of Game 1 changes the look of the Blues. While Ethan Sanders is a fine replacement, he brings a different role to the side.

Subscribe to Premium to read the rest.