2026 State of Origin Game One Team Lists: Blues and Maroons Named
Laurie Daley and Billy Slater have revealed their 2026 State of Origin Game One squads, igniting debate over critical choices. Daley opts for James Tedesco at fullback, valuing experience over form despite Dylan Edwards’ stellar year. The Blues have named six debutants, including Addin Fonua-Blake, while Latrell Mitchell’s injury is a significant setback. Queensland are also hit by injuries but retain 14 players from last year’s win and introduce four debutants. Both sides face scrutiny for their selections, setting the stage for a high-stakes opener.
- Tedesco chosen over Edwards for Blues fullback; 6 debutants for NSW.
- Maroons keep Ponga at fullback; 4 debutants due to injury toll.
- Both teams face scrutiny over selections ahead of the May 27 showdown.
James Tedesco poses during the NSW Blues Men's State of Origin media opportunity. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
2026 State of Origin Game One Team Lists: Blues and Maroons Named
Laurie Daley and Billy Slater have both shown their hand for Origin Game One on May 27 at Accor Stadium, and there is plenty to talk about before a ball has been kicked.
- 2026 State of Origin Game One Team Lists: Blues and Maroons Named
- The Fullback Call That Will Dominate the Week
- Six Debutants for the Blues
- Queensland's Injury Toll
- Game One Team Lists
The Fullback Call That Will Dominate the Week
The biggest talking point of the 2026 Origin Series before anything else is the Tedesco versus Edwards debate, and Daley has come down on the side of experience. James Tedesco gets the nod for his 24th Origin appearance ahead of Dylan Edwards, with the Blues coach citing style of play as the deciding factor rather than form. Both players have been outstanding this season, averaging over 220 run metres and five tackle breaks per game, so nobody can argue Edwards was unlucky.
It is a bold call and one that will be scrutinised heavily if the Blues struggle to generate go-forward from the back. Edwards is electric in transition and Penrith's system has made him one of the most dangerous fullbacks in the game. But Tedesco is a proven Origin performer and the reigning Dally M Medalist. Daley has backed class and experience.
Queensland have their own fullback situation. Kalyn Ponga wears the number one despite widespread speculation he would be shifted to the halves to fill the void left by the injured Tom Dearden. Slater has gone with Ponga at the back and handed the halfback jersey to Sam Walker, one of four Maroons debutants. It is an interesting call that keeps Ponga in familiar territory while introducing a new combination in the halves with Cameron Munster.
Six Debutants for the Blues
NSW come into Game One with six debutants, which is a significant number for a team looking to reclaim the shield. Addin Fonua-Blake is the standout new face, eligible for the Blues after this year's rule changes, and he is set to be a handful for any forward pack in the competition. Victor Radley's selection has been a long time coming and he will add enormous energy off the bench. Tolu Koula fills the wing spot vacated by the injured Latrell Mitchell, who withdrew on Sunday after aggravating a back injury, and Isaah Yeo was quick to back the Manly flyer to step up.
Mitchell's absence is a real blow. He has been in the form of his life and his big-game experience in that left centre role is irreplaceable on short notice. Kotoni Staggs holds his spot in the centres alongside Stephen Crichton.
Queensland's Injury Toll
The Maroons are also navigating a significant injury list heading in. Xavier Coates, Josh Papalii, Jeremiah Nanai and Tom Dearden are all unavailable which has forced Slater's hand in several positions. Briton Nikora's selection is an interesting one given he has played 16 Tests for New Zealand, but the new eligibility rules open the door and Slater has walked straight through it. Jojo Fifita gets his debut at centre after a strong season for the Titans, while Max Plath earns his call-up from the Dolphins.
Despite the injury toll, there are 14 players returning from the 2025 series triumph which gives Queensland a meaningful experience edge in what shapes as a genuinely competitive opener.
Game One Team Lists
| NSW | # | QLD |
|---|---|---|
| J. Tedesco | 1 | K. Ponga |
| B. To'o | 2 | S. Cobbo |
| S. Crichton | 3 | R. Toia |
| K. Staggs | 4 | H. Tabuai-Fidow |
| T. Koula | 5 | J. Fifita |
| M. Moses | 6 | C. Munster |
| N. Cleary | 7 | S. Walker |
| A. Fonua-Blake | 8 | T. Flegler |
| R. Robson | 9 | H. Grant |
| M. Barnett | 10 | |
| H. Young | 11 | R. Cotter |
| H. Olakau'atu | 12 | K. Capewell |
| I. Yeo (c) | 13 | M. Plath |
| C. Murray | 14 | B. Nikora |
| V. Radley | 15 | L. Collins |
| J. Saifiti | 16 | P. Carrigan |
| B. Brailey | 17 | T. Loiero |
| E. Strange | 18 | E. Mam |
| C. McLean | 19 | G. Shibasaki |
| D. Lucas | 20 | K. Finefeuiaki |
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