State of Origin series begins: All you need to know

The fiercest rivalry in Australian rugby league returns to the field on Wednesday as the men's State of Origin series begins.

Queensland holds the shield after a remarkable series victory in 2025, when they overcame a Game I defeat in Brisbane to win a Game III decider in Sydney.

Here is what you need to know before kick-off of Game I this Wednesday.

Where can I watch State of Origin Game I?

The Nine Network has the broadcast rights to the State of Origin series.

Game I will be televised on Channel Nine and streamed online via 9Now.

You can follow the action wherever you are on the ABC Sport live blog.

You can listen to the ABC Sport live call with commentator Andrew Moore, with expert analysis by Luke Lewis, Matthew Elliot and John Gibbs.

What time is State of Origin Game I kick-off?

Here is when the kick-off is scheduled in your location.

8:05pm: NSW, Queensland, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea

7:35pm: South Australia, Northern Territory

6:05pm: Western Australia

10:05pm: New Zealand, Fiji

11:05pm: Samoa, Tonga

12:05am: Cook Islands

Where is State of Origin Game I being played?

Game I of the series will be held in Sydney at Stadium Australia.

Queensland has enjoyed recent success playing in enemy territory.

The Maroons have won the previous two State of Origin matches at Stadium Australia, a 38-10 win in Game I of 2024 and a famous 24-12 win in the 2025 decider to claim the shield.

Who is playing for the Blues and Maroons?

When and where are the other matches?

Game II: Wednesday, June 17, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Victoria

Game III: Wednesday, July 8, Lang Park, Brisbane, Queensland

When is the Women's State of Origin?

There is still one match left to play in this year's Women's State of Origin series.

NSW has already claimed the shield after two nail-biting wins.

Game I: New South Wales 11-6 Queensland

Game II: New South Wales 14-10 Queensland