STATE OF ORIGIN TICKETS 2026

About

The State of Origin rugby is an intense and highly anticipated series in Australian rugby league. It features a three-game annual competition between two rival teams: New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons.

The series showcases some of the best rugby league talent as players represent their respective states, creating a fierce and passionate rivalry. The matches are known for their physicality, skill, and emotional intensity, drawing large audiences and capturing the essence of Australian sporting pride.

State of Origin has become a symbol of the sport's strength and tradition, captivating fans across the country and showcasing the pinnacle of rugby league excellence.

State of Origin: Australian sport's greatest rivalry

Want to see the biggest rivalry in Rugby League live? State of Origin tickets are hot property, especially given that this three-game contest between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons is widely considered one of the biggest matches in the world of NRL.

The fact that this is undoubtedly Australian sport's biggest rivalry means that you need to buy State of Origin tickets quickly to avoid disappointment. Since 2006, the Queensland Maroons had dominated their NSW rivals, yet the "Baby Blues" were able to claim their first series victory in four years in the 2018 State of Origin matches. 

State of Origin history

Whether you side with the Blues or the Maroons, this is your chance to see one of Australia’s biggest sporting events! The players, fans and media of both Queensland and New South Wales are already gearing up for their epic annual showdown, and you can be there to witness it! The name State of Origin comes from the fact that players are selected to represent the Australian state where they played their first senior rugby league game.

From 1982 onwards, the State of Origin has been a best-of-three match series and is usually played around the middle of the rugby league season. While it may not have the fanfare of an international tournament, the State of Origin certainly feels like one as some of Australia's biggest rugby and sports stadiums fill with tens of thousands of screaming fans.

When the series first began, the results were extremely even, and up to 2006, New South Wales were leading Queensland 11-10. However, in recent years, Queensland have dominated the series. The Shield has exchanged hands every year since 2019 with the Maroons winning in 2023.

Join the waitlist for State of Origin tickets

Here at Ticket Merchant, we don’t want you to miss out on your favourite sporting events, which is why we don’t allow any one-off or international sellers here. This means that the tickets we sell always come with a 100% guarantee.

Any Rugby League knows how in-demand tickets will be. Get your name down onto the waitlist today to ensure you don’t miss out on scoring the best tickets to the always popular and anticipated rugby league series!

FAQ’s

When will State of Origin tickets be available for the 2026 season?

Many say that the State of Origin competition is the highlight of the rugby season. So in 2026, the stakes are even higher for the defending champs, the NSW Blues. The 2026 State of Origin will kick off around the middle of the calendar year, and when the fixture is announced, Ticket Merchant will have all your SOO tickets in 2026 available to purchase. 

Check in with this page often and join the waitlist to be the first to know when tickets come through.  

What are the best seats for watching the State of Origin?

Each stadium has its own layout and seating arrangement, so seating will inevitably vary across each venue. However, here is some general advice and tips for securing the best views for watching all the excitement of the State of Origin games up close and live:

• Centreline seats: These are positioned at the half-way line, offering fans a panoramic view of the entire length of the field.
• Sideline Lower Level seats: These seats give fans a closer, more immersive viewing experience compared to centreline seats, and offer a closer view of players in that area of the field.
• Premium seating: Sometimes offered as club seating, these seats offer premium features such as comfy padded seats, access to exclusive lounges and an elevated view of the midfield line for better views of the action.
• Corner seats: Corner seats don’t give spectators a full panoramic view, but what they lack in wide-angle perspective, they make up for with all the thrills and spills of being close to the action. These seats often give NRL fans a closer view of tackles and scrums that happen at the edges of the field.    

Can I buy tickets for all three State of Origin games in one package?

Package deals for all three State of Origin matches come up sometimes, but they are not guaranteed. So when they do come up, they’re often snapped up quickly.

The best way to capture one of these packaged ticket deals is to join the waitlist and check in with this page often.

Be the first to grab your SOO tickets in 2026 when you join Ticket Merchant's waitlist now. 

How do I buy State of Origin tickets for the Queensland vs. NSW games?

Keep an eye out for the State of Origin QLD vs. NSW games as soon as they’re released on Ticket Merchant’s website here. These are always popular matches, so tickets sell out super quick.

Ticket Merchant is also an excellent way to purchase tickets for when the games are sold out through other channels. With a number of quality seating options for adults and children wanting to be a part of the action, you can ensure you don’t miss out on this thrilling event, even when the demand is high. 

But remember, the demand for resell tickets can often be higher because they become an even hotter commodity, so act quick to avoid missing out! 

Will there be any special events or pre-game activities for State of Origin?

The State of Origin series is a popular stalwart in the rugby calendar, and for good reason! It not only offers fans an incredible display of some of the best players battling it out for the SOO grand final cup, but it also offers spectators a rich entertainment experience. Major artists such as James Blunt, The Living End and The Veronicas are some of the incredible entertainers that have provided the pre-game excitement of the State of Origin games, to the absolute delight of rugby fans everywhere. 

Fans love the build-up and excitement offered by the pre-game entertainment, featuring some of the best local and international talent to energise the crowd before the show. 

The pre-game special event also covers Welcome to Country and the National Anthem as an opportunity to honour the cultural heritage and national pride at the event. 

Are accessible seating options available at State of Origin venues?

Yes, there are accessible seating options available at the various venues that host the State of Origin matches. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) offers designated accessible seating areas, accessible parking options and a dedicated mobility shuttle service free of charge.

Accor Stadium in Sydney and Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium also offer similar services and options for patrons with mobility issues, allowing all fans to enjoy the game up close and personal.

With State of Origin seating options to suit every fan’s needs, there’s no excuse to miss out on what is guaranteed to be an Origin series to remember!

Purchase your SOO Sydney tickets, SOO tickets for Brisbane and the one that all fans will be interested in, SOO tickets for Queensland vs NSW.

Can I transfer my State of Origin tickets to a friend?

Unfortunately, no, tickets purchased cannot be transferred to another person not named on the ticket/s. 

For full details about our refund and transfer process, please visit our refund bookings FAQ’s and general information in our Terms and Conditions in our Policies section. 

What should I bring to a State of Origin game?

With many food and beverage options available at the stadiums, there is no need to bring these with you to the game. Naturally you will need to bring your tickets (either physical tickets or digital) for entry,  and photo ID if you’re purchasing alcoholic drinks at the venue. 

Weather can be temperamental at times, so keep an eye out for the weather forecasts and adjust accordingly. 

Show your support for your team and get into the spirit of the game by showing up in your team’s colours, including jerseys, hats, scarves or flags. There is always merchandise available at the game if you want to pick up some souvenirs or additional club merch.  

Most of all, bring a sense of anticipation and excitement for the game - you’re sure to have a thrilling time watching your favourite teams battle it out for rugby glory and State of Origin pride!